If the thuja hedge is in an unfavorable place or if a diseased tree of life needs to be replaced, the roots are a problem. Can you just let the roots rot in the ground or do you have to get the rootstock out of the ground altogether? How Fast Do Thuja Roots Rot?

It is easier to leave the thuja roots in the ground

How long does it take for thuja roots to rot?

The bad news is that it can take years for a thuja root to rot. The only good thing about it is that, unlike other trees and shrubs, the tree of life does not sprout again after pruning.

If other plants are to be planted instead of the tree of life hedge, you only have to dig up the roots.

The garden may be severely affected. If necessary, you should hire a gardening company to remove the roots.

Accelerate the rotting of thuja roots

Leaving the roots in the ground to rot will speed up this process a bit:

  • Mill off trunk
  • Drill holes in the root remains
  • fill with compost
  • Pour topsoil over it

Mill down the trunk as far as possible. Drill, saw or poke lots of holes in the roots and fill them with compost. The microorganisms thus brought into the roots ensure faster decomposition.

Fill up topsoil above the root remains. Then you can at least sow grass over it. However, keep in mind that as the root rots, the soil at the root site will subside over time.

Digging up thuja roots

Digging up thuja roots makes sense if you then want to put something else in the place of the hedge. As a shallow root, a younger arborvitae is quite easy to get out of the ground.

With older, thick thujas you need a lot of time and strength or a mini excavator. The excavator is definitely worth it if you have to dig out the roots of an entire arborvitae hedge. However, not every garden can be accessed by a mini excavator. Other plants are also affected.

tips

Sometimes you can read on the Internet that a thuja can simply be poisoned. That is not advisable. They damage the environment and create a danger for children and animals.

Category:

Trees