Root removal

[jmfox]

I'm cutting in a driveway that abuts large mature trees on both sides. Many of the roots are shallow and must be removed. Some have a diameter of 14". Has anyone here used an attachment to cut roots? I tried a chain saw, but there are many, and the combination of dirt and woods is tough on the chain and operator.

jmf

 

[dangerdoc]

I'm cutting in a driveway that abuts large mature trees on both sides. Many of the roots are shallow and must be removed. Some have a diameter of 14". Has anyone here used an attachment to cut roots? I tried a chain saw, but there are many, and the combination of dirt and woods is tough on the chain and operator.

jmf

If you don't want to dig and cut, hiring a track loader is probably your best option. It won't take much time but you will pay for the trip out also. You may want to look around see if there are some other things to do while he is out.

 

[jmfox]

I don't think a track loader will cut roots that are 14" in diameter without making a mess of things. If there was someway to cut the root at the trunk removal would be easy and clean.

jmf

 

[Squeak n Itch]

Just curious. Can a trencher cut through roots that thick? Anyone with experience?

 

[jmfox]

Just curious. Can a trencher cut through roots that thick? Anyone with experience?

GOOD question.

jmf

 

[darkviper]

14" ROOT!!!!. Forget the trencher. All you are going to do is tear the chain and other stuff up. That is going to get expensive fast. You are better off getting a track hoe in there for something that big. ANd it had better be a good size one if they are deep in the ground. I would not try to do it with anything else. Now you might could try about a 150 - 200 HP Tractor with a good ( and i mean very beefy) subsoiler. But i would make sure it has shear protection. But i still think a track hoe maybe with one of the root rippers would be the best option IMHO.

 

[dangerdoc]

I don't think a track loader will cut roots that are 14" in diameter without making a mess of things. If there was someway to cut the root at the trunk removal would be easy and clean.

jmf

I've seen them cut some big roots with the 4n1 bucket but you're right, that might be a little to much to chew on.

I think that the shovel and axe may be the best solution. I've alway thought an axe was better than a chain saw for roots.

 

[woodlandfarms]

I assume that you need to cut these roots? What kind of trees? Just worried that you are going to kill them but I assume you have thought through this already.

 

[jmfox]

The driveway is more important than the trees, but we are removing only what is necessary. This is one of the reasons I want to cut rather than rip and tear.

jmf

 

[Copperhead]

Oh, how I long for the 60's when we could just run down and pick up some dynamite and blasting caps and make a day of taking out trees.

Oh... I forgot... he is putting in a driveway. Kinda hard to do after your place looks like it endured a B-52 raid!

Good discussion though. A track hoe would probably be the best option. Can really get at the roots in question with minimum collateral damage to the surrounding ground. A dozer would use a lot of real estate to get big roots out. Cost would probably be comparable over all. With a lot of patience and good operator, a good wheeled hoe like a Case 580 might get the job done depending on depth of roots and what condition they are in. I have done this type of work with a 580 before, but it does take some time and knowing how to use a hoe well. If you want quick and dirty, a track hoe would be the best option. A wheeled hoe would be cheaper by the hour and less costly to bring in. Get a good conservation contractor (one experienced putting in farm tile drainage systems) to take a look at the problem. These types of contractors play around with trees quite a bit and usually can get the job done in the least time. They usually understand root sytems and how they run better as well.

Good Luck!