Posting in r/GardeningAustralia but please let me know if there is a better subreddit for this.
18 months ago I planted a ficus hillii flash at the front of my house and was under the impression the root system would be non-invasive. I now understand that ficus hillii flash are extremely invasive with their root systems and was a bad choice (although looks lovely!).
I am after advice on how best to remove the tree. My fallback position is to poison the tree and cut it off at the base, allowing the root system to rot in the ground, but if it can be saved that would be the preference.
Are there any groups that would dig up the tree at take it away without cost? I need to be mindful that there is a gas line and potentially ceramic water pipes nearby. I'm not looking to retain the tree or make any profit, but I understand that mature trees may be of value to someone who is experienced in removing from the ground.
The tree is approximately 2.5m high and located in South East Melbourne.
Any advice would be appreciated (also, feel free to make fun of me for my mistake)
by MyNameIsBiff
4 Comments
If you just want it gone with the minimum work, just cut it at ground level and put glyphosate on the cut immediately. If you want to dig it up and move it, then prune it heavily and dig up the biggest rootball you can handle. Have the other hole ready. Put it in the hole, back fill and water in. It will need staking for a while. I’ve shifted a couple of really big figs successfully. They are almost indestructible. Don’t plant it near your house like it is. The roots are really invasive and destructive.
Nice tree, how long till it turns your place into a tree house. Best I got.
Its a mistake, luckily you caught it now later would have been too late. In the right spot a lovely tree but not right in most surbabn settings.
Already got some good advice from other poster’s about moving the tree. If you don’t want to keep the tree check if local landscapers or larger nurseries may be interested in removing it for you some may be happy to have a larger tree for other jobs – just a thought.
Good luck.
> I am after advice on how best to remove the tree.
Turn the trunk into a nice 1.5 meter tall lever by chopping all the branches off. Scrape mulch back. Dig around the root-ball with a spade and hatchet while using the 1.5 meter tall lever to help loosen it and eventually lever the root-ball out of the ground.
> My fallback position is to poison the tree and cut it off at the base, allowing the root system to rot in the ground
Poisons always suck. Leaving buried surprises (so you can say things like “Oh darn, why is this in my way” when you try to plant something new later) is sloppy and unprofessional; if not worse (attracting termites next to your house).
> but if it can be saved that would be the preference.
You can always try; but I’d assume the proximity to the concrete drive-way will prevent you from extracting the root-ball undamaged.
Sharp space around it on all sides, soak the root ball and lever it out with the spade against the concrete. This is very likely salvageable if you pot it up and give it some love