Cut Down An Ash Tree - Need Advice

L

Lex Foutish

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I recently cut down a large ash tree that was growing in my front garden. I did it with a bow saw and left the trunk and a number of branches, as a feature. I cut off every single growing part.

Two questions....

1. Will the roots now stop growing? (There's a patio over them and I was afraid the roots would damage it).

2. Should the areas where I cut the branches off be treated with something and, if so, with what?

Thanks.
 
1. No, there will be increased vigour in the growth this spring. Basically the roots will try and provide the same 'flow and return' as last year and the tree will grow new shoots.
2. You can get a SBK (scrub and brushwood killer) drill a series of holes around the circumference of the stump. Downwards into the stump just inside the bark layer, basically in the living rings and fill with the poison, cover and allow the magic to work.

As its a front garden I would strongly suggest hiring a digger to excavate the stump or get a local tree surgeon to grind the stump if it is too big.

Lex, as you are in the PRC, Dermot Casey in Mallow would be my suggestion.
 
Thanks, Sconhome.

If ever you're visiting the PRC, give me a shout and I'll help organise an entry visa for you. ;)
 
Or, drill at an angle downwards and fill the drill holes with copper sulphate. Or, cut it tight to the ground and drill holes downward and pour in some RootOut and follow instructions. Diesel will suffice as well.
 
mathepac said:
Works very well and is cheap :)

Lex, ash trees in PRC are a waste - can't ye import used hurleys, if ye ever need them again?
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Too late, Mathepac. The hurleys are being fashioned as we speak! And as a loyal citizen of the Republic, I donated them for the cause. ;)

Thanks for that info, Capt. Is copper sulphate what you spray on spuds for blight? And I knew diesel did the job on roots but I'm a bit of an environmentalist and don't think I'd go that road. (No pun intended)
 
mathepac said:
can't ye import used hurleys, if ye ever need them again?
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Sure the hurlers only used them for the pickets ;)

Any of the products for killing roots are not going to be the friendliest, best bet is dig it out. If it's under a footpath or driveway get the elbow grease out (again) a few spare shovel handles and take your pick.
 
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We'll strike in a different fashion this summer!!! ;)

The problem with the roots is that they're under a patio that was only laid two years ago. The tree was about 15 years old. We had to remove some roots when we were putting the patio down.
 
webbs said:
Environmentalist yet you cut down a mature tree :eek:
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In the last 20 or so years, I've grown over 420 trees (ash, horse chestnut, oak and sycamore) from seeds and planted them all out. A bit of a rush to judgement there, Webbs. Pity you presumed the worst. The tree in question would probably have cracked a wall in the next few years also, if allowed to grow. I didn't plant it there. It grew there itself and I'd hoped against hope that I wouldn't have to cut it down.

All in all, that means I'm up about 419 trees. I think I've done my bit.
 
you can now sit by your barbie next Summer (?) and sing Kilcash - as Gaeilge - without a hint of irony.
 
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