On 03/02/2017 12:11, Chris Hogg wrote:
On 03 Feb 2017 11:41:26 +0000 (GMT), Theo
wrote:

Chris Hogg wrote:
As others have said, what's the area, roughly, and why isn't petrol
power an option?

It's an issue with transport to site - isn't a good idea to take petrol on
public transport. Area is about 20 x 30m, fairly thick (ie you can't walk
inside).

Battery systems are fine for maintenance of small
gardens, but haven't got the power or endurance for larger jobs. If
you really can't use petrol, then I think the only realistic approach
is clearing by hand. A pair of extendable or long-handled ratchet
loppers (I prefer anvil types rather than bypass, but it's a personal
thing). The ratchet action allows greater cutting force to be applied,
and with the leverage of the long handles, mine will happily cut
through 3 cm branches. Plenty available he
http://tinyurl.com/zvt5esq

Thanks. I think that's the right conclusion - also easier to carry.
Any particular recommendations?

Not really. The very first pair I bought broke within minutes of my
starting to use them; the head was a cheap cast alloy with no
strength. The replacements were unbranded, but are still going strong
after 16 years of abuse. Wickes do a pair, but they're suspiciously
cheap at £14.99 http://tinyurl.com/gpcuq82 , while the more-expensive
Spear and Jackson ones at £34.99 have aluminium handles
http://tinyurl.com/zfq4sxs . Mine have oval-section steel handles, but
even they bend slightly as I apply a bit of welly on thicker branches,
but spring back again. If the S&J ones are simply aluminium and not an
aluminium alloy, they might bend and not spring back.

Some big beasts on e-bay http://tinyurl.com/h5vrbws

A pruning saw for the thicker stuff. After cutting everything down,
you've got the stumps to deal with, or they will just re-sprout. A
grub-axe is the weapon of choice IMO (mattock blade on one side, axe
blade on the other: http://tinyurl.com/gp68dsn ).

I'm not bothered by having the stumps in place, but would rather not have to
do the same again next year. Is it feasible to treat the stumps with
something to prevent regrowth?

Theo

Ammonium sulphamate* is the stuff. Prohibited for use as a herbicide
by the glorious EU, but still allowed as a compost accelerator, so
still available. I refer to it as 'in-situ composting' so have a clean
conscience! Plenty on e-bay http://tinyurl.com/hp627l9

*not to be confused with ammonium sulphate, which is a nitrogenous
fertiliser and will make your stumps grow away like crazy!!

+1
Should be applied to a freshly cut surface and covered with a plastic
bag or similar th prevent crystals being washed off.

Malcolm