I found out they are not castorbeans, but some kind of Chinese elm or
something. They have varigated trunks - that look like a girafe's coat. I
have taken out 2 of them and they had taproots a good 3" thick. I've cut
down the biggest one and plan to treat it with the salt anyway, just in
case.

"Jim Marrs" wrote in message
...
If in fact these trees are castorbeans ( not really trees), they will be
very easy to remove. Castorbeans have a relative shallow root system and a
few digs with a shovel should be enough to take them out. Or as an
alternative. just cut them down at the base, they will not resprout.
"Jean Staffen" wrote in message
...
I am going to assemble a garden shed in my back yard in a spot that is
presently occupied by three small trees. The trees are volunteers and
about
6' high. Castorbeans I think. Here's my plan: Cut them down as low as
possible. Cover stumps with water softener salt (rock salt) and them
upend
coffee cans over the stumps. The floor of the shed will cover the
stumps
and I'm thinking that the salt and lack of sun will kill the stumps.

Will this work?