Help! Removing tree shoots from flowerbed

[MoonRiverDancing]

I’ve not been well since we moved into our house a few years ago so the garden has gone a bit wild. Out the front there was a sapling that had self seeded itself in a flowerbed. I just cut down the shoots each summer so it didn’t look too awful. Now I’m feeling better, I want to get it all out, however it’s got really imbedded and I can’t shift it. Any tips or am I going to have to dig deep and wide to get to the roots to get the trunk-y bits out. I’ve included a leaf incase the type of tree makes a difference (I have no idea what it is!). Thanks.

Have you tried the root slayer spade? It’s £50 and is brilliant. It has edges which will cut the trunk.

If that’s a no go, then the only alternative is to hire a Gardner with a stump grinder. It’s about £100-150

https://www.amazon.co.uk/RootSlayer-Special-solid-ultra-durable-lightweight/dp/B097RTV9TF/ref=asc_df_B097RTV9TF/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=606772809965&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=17621767157829330857&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006912&hvtargid=pla-1643463949839&psc=1&mcid=0d956d0d72653d4fa9832efbe610d53d

@Solgrass thank you. That looks perfect. I’ll try that and if not, I’ve got someone coming to sort out trees that half lost limbs in the winter storms so I’m sure they’ll have a grinder.

I love that spade but you'd struggle to get that out with it if you've had some health issues. Could it be a bramble? The leaves look a bit brambly to me.

The leaves aren’t fully expanded yet, but look like Hazel, which is usually coppiced, ie cut down every few years to reshoot from the base - what you have done, in fact. So you’re going to have to get the base out. Digging round, using secateurs to cut thick roots, and rocking the stump usually gets there eventually.

I would first kill it. Glyphosate plugs are best but I only see these packs of 100+ so will be expensive. Hammering in copper nails is a cheaper alternative - search for 'copper tree stump killer' on Amazon.

I've managed to get one or two quite large treee/shrub stems out - usually need to go in with an old pair of loppers not just secateurs though, some of the roots may be too big for the latter. Hard work... if you've not been well best get someone in who has the tools and muscle for the job,

Hello MoonRiverDancing,

I agree with MereDintoPandiculation

I would have a go at digging it out. Last year I dug a hazel out which yours is about the same size.

The method I used was to start by digging preferably with a spare about 20cm from the centre down to about the depth of your spade blade. Once you have encircled the hazel use the spade to under cut the roots. You will find that the hazel will have one or maybe two deep taproots which grow directly down. Once you have severed these the hazel should come out. Don’t be tempted to cut the stems down to ground level as the hazel will just regrow new stems.

Once completed and after a bit of a work out it will be time for some tea and cake.

Happy gardening
TheSustainableGardener

Thanks so much for all the advice. I’ll give it a go using the great advice and if I can’t fix it get someone in.

You could just let it grow and enjoy the nuts

It’s in a little tiny flowerbed right by the front of our house. Definitely not the right spot for it!