Digging Out Laurel Roots

[Cosmo and Dibs]

I have cut down some laurels to just above ground level.

Laurels:



The intention is to dig them out completely and replant the area with something a little more interesting.

The problem is that the roots are very woody. I've tried using all the usual tools but I just cannot budge them. How do you get out thick, woody roots/stumps

[rustylady]

I take it the picture is not of your laurels. The only way to get woody roots and stumps out is sheer hard work. Pickaxe, pruning saw, etc. Either that or cut them down and get some stump killer from the garden centre. It will take a while to work.

[rana]

I have the same problem having recently removed a laurel hedge. As Rustylady says it's down to hard work. Every few days I attack the roots with a mattock for as long as my back can stand with the expectation that the site will be cleared by autumn when I can re-plant.

[Lovage]

It would have been better not to cut down to ground level but to leave the main branches to say 4ft to give something to grab hold of and lever.
Sorry that's not much help now!
Short of a winch and an immovable object the only way is to dig round and locate the major roots and cut them with loppers or saw - choose a cool day!