"MaGGie" expounded:


I recently purchased a new home that has the most hideous overgrown yews at
the front foundation. This was the big thing long ago I guess. Anyway, I
want them completely gone and the area transformed to small accents plants
and bedding. My question is this, I plan to hack them down and then either
dig up the roots or kill them with round up. These yews (10 in all) are
anywhere from 3Hx3W to 5Hx8W, and so I am wondering how big the root systems
will be? I wouldn't want to have huge gaping holes close to the house for
too long as we are into the rainy season here in St Louis. Any advice
appreciated.

Cut them off to the ground. As far as getting the roots out, good
luck. I killed four yews about 20 years ago. Had a backhoe out there
once and had three of the stumps pulled, but one was too close to the
foundation. It's still out there. Just as solid as the day I cut it
down. So unless you've got a backhoe.......
--
Ann, Gardening in zone 6a
Just south of Boston, MA
********************************