Removing a large lilac bush

[barbiesa]

It's an ugly thing that had been here for YEARS before I moved here 16 years ago. I have to trim it several times a year, and the root system is so strong it's sending shoots up all over the yard.

One web site suggested cutting all the branches and digging out the stump, but that is definitely beyond my ability. I'm thinking hiring a professional is the way to go, unless there is something else I don't know about.

[Newt]

Hi Barbiesa,

Sorry to hear this.* Unfortunately your lilac was probably never pruned properly and that's why it's ugly.* The proper way to prune a tired and overgrown lilac is to cut one third of the oldest trunks flush to the ground.* Do one third each year for 3 years and the newer shoots will then begin to bloom for you.* Lilacs will send up shoots to renew themselves.*

If your lilac doesn't bloom or bloom well it could be from improper pruning.* They set their buds for the following years blooms about 2 weeks after the finish of bloom.* If you prune after that, you are pruning off the buds for next year.* Lilacs also don't like lots of nitrogen fertilizer.* If yours is in the lawn and the lawn gets fertilized, that will cause lots of leafy growth at the expense of flowers.* They also prefer a more alkaline soil, so if your soil is on the acid side, adding a cup of lime and mixing it into the soil around the base will help.* They need full sun.
http://www.gardenersnet.com/lilac/lilac02.htm

If you still want to remove it, your only choice would be to cut the trunks nearly flush to the ground and dig out the main roots.* Any sprouts in the lawn will eventually give up with continued mowing or they can be dug out as they appear.

Newt

[barbiesa]

I cut off the branches, but I am not sure I am capable of digging up the roots. It is about 5 feet across. I am wondering if it would be better to hire a professional with professional tools to do the rest.

Or do you think that if I dig around it and cut off the roots shooting outward, the rest will die eventually? Or will it just keep growing forever until the main root system is destroyed?

[Newt]

If you cut the main roots and leave the stump, it will most likely sprout again.* Any roots left in the soil will also sprout, but if they're in the lawn, continual mowing should take care of those.* If you have a vehicle with a tow bar or a wench, or know someone who does, you could dig down and sever as many roots at you can find.* Then secure a heavy chain around the stump and pull it out.* If you can't do that, hire a pro to remove the main stump. Try and sever the main roots as far from the stump as possible.* Get references and have it written in a contract what they will do if they put ruts in your lawn with their equipment.*

If any vehicles or heavy equipment will be used and there are any trees nearby, you will need to protect them from vehicle traffic within 5' of the outer drip line of the trees so the soil doesn't become compacted.
http://www.treesaregood.com/treecare...struction.aspx

Newt

[barbiesa]

The yard is surrounded by a chain link fence, so they aren't going to get trucks anywhere near the area.

When I had a tree removed several years ago, though, they had some sort of machine that turned the stump into mulch right in the ground. I was thinking that would be the way to go here.

One person digging with a shovel just isn't going to do it, I'm afraid.

[Newt]

What they used on the tree stump was a stump grinder aka stump cutter.* There are small and large versions.* The deeper they grind, the less likely you will get growth from that area and the quicker it will decompose.
http://power-trac.com/images05/T12%2...mp-grinder.jpg
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...1674_200331674

Newt

[Allison1888]

Sounds like you need a tree removal company, which will not be inexpensive, but the only way to go in this case. Good luck!