Topic: Removing a shrub

[Emm P]

We have a mature Tree Mallow.
We need to remove it.
My husband has sawn it down. But he has arthritis in his hands, and I don't think he is going to be able to dig the thing out.

Has anyone got any suggestions please?

[valmarg]

Some things, having been sawn down to ground level, don't produce regrowth.  I really don't know about tree mallow, but if it does start to show regrowth, a spot of glyphosate should do the trick!!

[Emm P]

Tree Mallows do!!!!
 :(

Many thanks for that, valmarg - I had thought there must be something.
 :)

[saddad]

If you can get hold of Amcide (Chase Organics) and drill holes into the fresh cut (Live Tissue) that will rot it down into the roots!
 ::)

[ACE]

Put a for sale sign with an inflated price on it, if somebody thinks it is worth something they will nick it ;D

Unfortunatley this stuff is so invasive, you will have a hell of a job on your hands. Herbicides do not tend to get rid of it completly. Some of the scottish island are having a lot of trouble with it. They are even resistant to honey fungus.

[jennym]

Have a go at forking round it, put the fork in full depth about 2 or 3 ft away from the main stem and pull back and forth on it, take it out and repeat all the way round. Then leave it a few days and try again. The frost will be able to have a go at the soil and break it up a bit to make digging it out easier. The roots on mine weren't that bad after doing this.

[Emm P]

Thanks again folks.

I think the for sale sign will be the easiest.

Unfortunately, his hands are very bad at the moment, jennym. The tree has been in for a number of years, so the roots will be the size of tree trunks themselves.
Having experienced the same thing a few years ago with another Tree Mallow. . . . . . .
 :-\

[manicscousers]

isn't arthritis a bu**er, got it in my hands as well, sympathise with your hubby, especially this time of year  :)

[Emm P]

I hope you are not like him though - he doesn't know when to admit defeat.
 :-\

[manicscousers]

this time of year, it's difficult to do anything, I can't wait for warmer weather, helps in all areas, tell him, rub in tiger balm, it helps the knuckles, red's best, just be careful if you eat when it's on your hands, tastes a bit yeuck !!   :o

[Emm P]

It is not just the fingers, it is the whole hands and wrists.
He has been using Difflam cream (on prescription) for a few years now.
Never heard of tiger balm.

He said he will try it - er - I assume it comes from a chemist?

[manicscousers]

it is from boots, nicer smell than difflam, brilliant stuff, told about it from one of the old timers on the plot, hands really badly affected, he told me when mine just started, use it on my knees and neck and shoulder, it's wonderfully soothing, sound like an advert for it !!   ;D ;D