Removing a bush

[Freds]

I'm not really sure if this is considered a project, but what would be the best way to remove this bush? It's about 8-9' high and 3' at the base. As you can see, it's a tangled mess of about 1" stems/stalks at the base and gets worse as it goes up.
I was thinking about tying it up somewhat so I don't lose everything all over my yard, and then chainsawing it close to the base, but I'm not sure how the chain would react to these stalks. Something in the back of my head is telling me it might grab onto them more than cut through them, which could be unsafe. Then I was going to use my hoe to dig out the roots. I'd like to put something back in its place.
What do you think?

 

[Bird]

I think you've got it in the right forum; i.e., Projects, but I guess you meant to attach a photo that didn't get attached. I don't know what kind of bush you're talking about but the backhoe would seem to me to be the way to go.

 

[dangerdoc]

I'm not really sure if this is considered a project, but what would be the best way to remove this bush? It's about 8-9' high and 3' at the base. As you can see, it's a tangled mess of about 1" stems/stalks at the base and gets worse as it goes up.
I was thinking about tying it up somewhat so I don't lose everything all over my yard, and then chainsawing it close to the base, but I'm not sure how the chain would react to these stalks. Something in the back of my head is telling me it might grab onto them more than cut through them, which could be unsafe. Then I was going to use my hoe to dig out the roots. I'd like to put something back in its place.
What do you think?

A chainsaw would work but leave a mess for you to clean up.

Using the backhoe would also work but leave a mess.

Wrap a chain around the base of the bush and pull it out with the tractor. You will remove minimal earth and you can just drag the bush to where you want it.

 

[Freds]

Oh geez..... forgot to upload the pics Bird (slapping my forehead).

Do you really think a 3130 could yank this out, doc?

 

[Airic]

I would go with a backhoe. Only mess I would think you would have is a hole. Not sure what type of bush that is but, digging it out will minimize any future suckers you have come up later.

This week end I plan on pulling Autumn Olives from my woods with the BH. Only thing green at this time of year. I tested last week and it works great. Autumn Olives are an evasive species here that chokes out new hardwood growth. Cutting them does no good unless you paint the stumps. Just pulling them out works far better.

 

[Freds]

So how would you use a backhoe, Airic?
Dig a trench all around it and try to pop it out? Rootball and all?
That's why I was thinking if I whacked it off short, I could just set the hoe in one or maybe two spots to work on it...

 

[Bird]

Even after seeing the pictures, I don't know what that is. Maybe a chain around it and pull it with the tractor? But since I don't know what it is, I don't know what it has for roots.

 

[mdunaway]

i might try a snatch um strap.loop the strap around the bush low,thru the eye in the strap hitch to drawbar via a stout clevis.back half the strap length back towards the bush.take off at mid speed away.the strap will stretch 20%
then take up.very effective means.remember to hitch low on the drawbar.tiu will soon know if your inertia will do the job.this method is easy on the eqpt. also. michael

 

[Freds]

Thanks. I'll try giving it a yank first. I have a stout nylon sling I can use, but the hoe may be in the way of me getting directly to the drawbar. I'll figure something out. And if that doesn't work, then I'll get out the chainsaw so I can have at it with the hoe easier.
It's got small white flowers in spring, Bird. That's all I can tell you. Small green leaves, too, but I can't remember the shape.

 

[hobie]

Take a regular shovel, and use it to cut an edge around the root ball. Get at least a shovel blade deep all the way around, then use the chain/strap and your tractor to pull the whole thing out.

 

[dangerdoc]

Thanks. I'll try giving it a yank first. I have a stout nylon sling I can use, but the hoe may be in the way of me getting directly to the drawbar. I'll figure something out. And if that doesn't work, then I'll get out the chainsaw so I can have at it with the hoe easier.
It's got small white flowers in spring, Bird. That's all I can tell you. Small green leaves, too, but I can't remember the shape.

If you have a chain with a slip hook, they will drawdown tight. I've snapped a couple of chains and never had one come flying up at the tractor seat. I have had nylon smack me when it snapped.

Looking at the number of stems, it might put up a fight but I think you have a good shot with the tractor. When I got out of the service, I lived in town for a few years, I would pull up bushes with a suburban, the tractor should have much more traction.

Using a chain, you can give her a little slack but I would avoid using a running start. You could hook the chain to the loader and pull it out going backwards, you will have a little less traction but you won't flip the tractor.

Which ever way you do it, wear eye protection.

 

[Treemonkey1000]

That looks like the roots might only be as big a spread as the bush. If you were to slice the ground around it with a shovel or sod cutter. Then wrap a slip hook chain or strap around the bush. If you have a large tire rim or some sort of strong tripod to pull it up versus sideways you might have better luck. Take your chain or strap and go up and over the tire rim then to the draw bar on your tractor. Be ready for a wheelie so you don't roll your tractor incase that bush is stubborn.

 

[Redbug]

I would do as Hobie or Treemonkey says. Put her in 4WD low and ease along pulling from the drawbar. It should pull out. It looks fun.

 

[Conservation]

I'm going to lay my money on it not coming out with a pull. Seems like those are always stubborn. A little digging can go a long way though.

 

[J_J]

You have a good BH, use it.

I believe I would use the BH to reach across the bush and take several loosening bites, and then dig a little deeper and pluck it out and take it where you want. Bring some dirt back and level the spot.

 

[Freds]

That is a very slick idea with the tire rim Treemonkey. I've never heard of that before. I don't have a tire rim, but slick idea nonetheless. I'm going to put a large rim on my need to get list. We have a "Get rid of your junk" days coming up here at the local gravel pit and I know the guy working the pit. I bet I can come across something nice real easy...

And just so ya knows... in my heart I am hoping it doesn't come out by pulling it. I'd rather play around with my new BH digging it out, but I'll give it my all and let you know what happens. Probably tomorrow, as I just got back from the vet and it's getting dusky out.

 

[WarrenF]

Ah heck....if you do it on a weekend.....hook a chain around it close to the bottom of the plant near the ground. Hook the chain to your tractor. Put on your motorcycle helmet, tighten your seat belt, leave a lot of slack in the chain......Pull the throttle wide open on your tractor....put it in high gear....drop the clutch and HANG ON.

Just kidding you....it has been a long day and I at least made myself laugh thinking about that.....

 

[zzvyb6]

Warren's idea actually works. This method snaps the roots with an impulse. If you use low gear and a slow pull, you will just tear up the lawn. A truck does a better job because you can get up a higher speed without hurting the grass. Use as long of a chain as you can get put together. I prefer straps because they will self tighten. And, if the bush comes out fast, the flyback on the strap won't kill you like a chain could.

Just do it. Cogitating gets a lot of people in trouble with the thought police.

 

[Treemonkey1000]

I can't take credit for the tire rim idea. I learned that idea from the wise guys on this forum . I did use my log boom as a tripod a few weeks ago to pop big clusters of Junipers out of the ground. The guys helping were using a little Toyota pick up to pull them up and out. That worked nicely..
Getting a run at it with a long strap or chain sounds like a good way to end up with a dent in the head or breaking something on the tractor.

 

[sld]

That looks like a spirea. Should be easy to pull out as it won't have a big tap root like a tree.

Just yank it out already. lol