Tacoma vs. 10-foot yew

I have some very large, overgrown shrubs (mostly yews) that I want to remove from my front yard. The previous owners must never have down any pruning because these things are gigantic. Being a new truck owner, I would love to rip these out myself but I want to make sure that I do it smart. The actual dimensions are something like 7' tall by 10' by 10'. Is it a simple matter of digging around the base of the shrub, throwing on some tow straps and putting it into reverse? Or is it worth it having the landscaper from across the street do it for $70? Any and all advice is welcome. Thanks!

 

i thing it would work better in drive not reverse. do you not have a tow package? we have dune allot of stuff like this over the years with dads tundra. and i have used 4 wheelers before too.

 

Don't chain it to your truck... that will most likely not work, roots are strong and holding a lot of earth. Dig down around the base, cut them off as close to the ground (or below the ground surface) as possible and either let the stump rot out, dig it out, or grind it out with a stump grinder.

For $70, if that's cutting the tree down, removing the stump and re-leveling where the tree was, that's not a bad deal.

 

If you are going to pull them out with your truck, go to Harbor Freight and get a tow/recovery strap that is rated for 6,000lbs or so. It will brake long before you damage the tow hitch on your truck...assuming you have the tow package.

 

comparative advantage. For the time it takes that person to earn that $70, can you use that time to earn more? If so, then its a good deal. If not, then do it yourself.

 

Because stump removal is a biotch!

 

Step 1) Cut down tree
Step 2) Spread thick layer of thermite over stump
Step 3) Light with magnesium strip
Step 4) Watch from safe distance...with welding goggles
Step 5) Sell "glassed" dirt as folk art

 

The stump burning part is actually very effective. Just depends on where in MA the OP is located. I wouldn't be able to get away with that where I live... Too many nosey neighbors and the fire department is a block away.

 

Just don't do what this idiot did.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqY7b4JpJMw

 

idiots. cant believe no one thought to say, "hey, i think the tree may fall on the truck."