Talkback: Felling trees

Thank you Richard for helping to regenerate the school garden! Now that the cypress has gone, light floods into the school classroom. I'm sure pupils will be grateful in due course....

ive just felled 4 of those trees in my garden- but dont know how to kill the roots- any ideas? i think i should pour something into the stump but what i know not!

Reply to Jill Farquhar You will not have to kill the roots. Cutting off a conifer kills it and it will not regrow. Only broad-leaved trees regenerate shoots from the cut stump, hence coppicing. Cutting off the remains of the stump to get it out of the way can be a pain. It is awkward and hard work to saw level with the ground. You can get root grinders, but these are probably professionally used pieces of kit. Why not nail a board on the stump and make your own bird table.

We have just cut down 10 of these and now have bare soil (ignoring the stumps) Does anyone have any idea what I need to do to the soil so that I can grow a more appropriate and wildlife friendly hedge/ border?

You'd do well as a lumberjack over here in Canada. ;)