Expert: Jim Hyland - 10/16/2010

Question
QUESTION: I have two 6ft.dwarf spruce trees that are close to dead.I am thinking of removing them myself.How difficult is it?
Thank you

ANSWER: Not a big problem. You can just cut the tree off as close to the ground as you can and over time the stump and roots will decay. Spruce will not sprout from the roots like hardwood trees so the stump will not need to be treated to kill the roots. You will have a root system in the ground but it should not be a problem if left as is.

I would cut the trees up say three feet from the ground and then cut the 3 foot stump off at or near ground level.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks so much for the quick response.I intend to plant new dwarf spruce in their place and would like to know if the root system can be easily pulled out.Also is it ok to plant them in the spring?
Thanks again.


Answer
The root system should spread about the width of the branches and the majority of the roots about 2 feet deep. It will not be to easy to pull out--It would dig a trench around the stump say two feet from the trunk. Dig down about 2 feet and cut the roots. I do not think you will be able to pull it out unless you dig around and under the roots.
It will be fine to plant in that spot in the spring on fact if you do not want to dig the stump leave it--just move to the side a couple of feet and dig the hole for the new tree and if you find roots just cut through them then. The old stump will decay on its own.