I'm looking to remove a large, overgrown laurel hedge from our garden and eventually replace it with native plants. The plan is to use a chainsaw to cut it down, but I'm concerned about how to deal with the stumps and roots. Ideally, I want to prevent them from regrowing but without using herbicides if possible. Would blocking light from the stump work? Also, I'm considering using some of the wood as edging—should I keep it off the ground first to avoid it trying to grow? Any tips on dealing with the cuttings and logs would be appreciated, especially since I know laurel can produce undesirable compounds when composted. Thanks!
1 Answer
It might be worthwhile to hire someone for the job if you can. When I had laurels removed, the tree surgeon used a winch to pull out the stumps—super quick and effective! If you can’t afford it now, just keep an eye out for sprouting after you cut them down and remove any new growth as soon as you see it.