Author Topic: Pruning saw for tree roots  (Read 6452 times)

Pruning saw for tree roots
« on: 22 September, 2017, 11:24:53 am »
The bottom of our garden is an overgrown jungle. Several trees took root and I have got them all out bar one. The last one is a right royal PITA. Grey Willow I think and it grows about 2 metres a year ! I have a mattock and have had one go at it but not got it out yet. I was thinking of getting a pruning saw to cut the roots as I expose them to assist with getting it out.

Now pruning saws cost between £10 and £lots. Is it worth buying a decent one or will using it amongst soiley roots just  ruin it anyway so I should just be a cheapey and chuck it once I get the flaming tree out?
I think you'll find it's a bit more complicated than that.

Re: Pruning saw for tree roots
« Reply #1 on: 22 September, 2017, 11:31:52 am »
Willow is a bit of a pain.  If there are any decent lengths still in the ground it'll grow again so it's worth getting as much out as possible.

Undoubtedly Silky make very excellent pruning saws, some of which can be re-sharpened so they could be a saw for life.  However, in the soil you'll quickly dull any blade.  I've used Bahco pruning saws a fair bit, including for hedge laying where they end up in the dirt a good deal, and have found them to be reasonably durable and good value. 

http://www.toolstop.co.uk/index.php?option=shop&page=shop.product_details&product_id=32977&l=uk&utm_source=google&utm_medium=base&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzrqS_sq41gIVb5PtCh0InQNMEAQYBCABEgIatvD_BwE

I think you'll find it's a bit more complicated than that.

Re: Pruning saw for tree roots
« Reply #3 on: 22 September, 2017, 11:53:37 am »
I'd just use this http://www.diy.com/departments/verve-pruning-saw/291158_BQ.prd

It is actually reasonable quality for £10 and if you can find it, £3 is  a steal

Aunt Maud

  • Le Flâneur.
Re: Pruning saw for tree roots
« Reply #4 on: 24 September, 2017, 06:46:29 am »
But, you said you had a mattock and I would use that. Sharpen it well with an angle grinder and chop it all up. Then I'd light a three day fire on top of the remaining roots to kill it all forever, otherwise it'll shoot again. Anything which can be coppiced needs to be killed to death properly to get rid of it.



fuaran

  • rothair gasta
Re: Pruning saw for tree roots
« Reply #5 on: 24 September, 2017, 11:01:50 pm »
You can get saws designed for root cutting. So it should have a tougher blade.
eg Silky Gomtaro Root. http://www.silkyfox.co.uk/gomtaro-root-cutting.php

Re: Pruning saw for tree roots
« Reply #6 on: 25 September, 2017, 08:11:34 am »
But, you said you had a mattock and I would use that. Sharpen it well with an angle grinder and chop it all up. Then I'd light a three day fire on top of the remaining roots to kill it all forever, otherwise it'll shoot again. Anything which can be coppiced needs to be killed to death properly to get rid of it.
This.

Re: Pruning saw for tree roots
« Reply #7 on: 25 September, 2017, 08:42:31 am »
You can get saws designed for root cutting. So it should have a tougher blade.
eg Silky Gomtaro Root. http://www.silkyfox.co.uk/gomtaro-root-cutting.php

Mooching around a retailer out of interest I discovered they have the most impressive warranty I have EVER seen



I must get one of those  ;)