Removing rose bush from near house - potential problems?

Suzkin

Hi,

In the spirit of "less really IS more", and for a low maintenance life (I wish!), I'm wanting to remove a very old rose bush from near the front elevation of my house. The rose bush is over 70 years old (in fact my house is 150 years!).

At ground level, it's only 9-10" away from the front elevation. I trust the roots must go pretty deep, although not sure which direction (i.e. towards or away from house, or nature being nature, both).

My concerns are: to save myself funds, can I remove it myself? what happens if the roots look as if they go under the house (the ground floor is raised timber)? Can I call on a professional to help remedy any potential damage to house, or should I call in a pro from the outset? When the bush goes, what do I fill the hole with to ensure no further problematic consequences - just more soil?

Sorry for sounding so negative - I just want to be on the safe side, and ensure the deed is done as swifty as can be, with as little damage as possible to my house!

justjohn

lol i have same prob ...but its on top yes on top of a wall. growing in it lol

justjohn

i would think hack and dig it out. No need to get all roots out. Then just spray whats left with "deep root"

unsure what you do if you want to save the rose, thats the prob i have.

By the way "deep root" is lethal best plant killer next to Diesel(also kills everything, but a bit naughty and it stinks)

Suzkin

Thanks, JustJohn for the recommendation - I'll investigate, as could be useful for other 'hot' spots of weeds in back garden, where I don't want anything growing. I really don't care anymore about the rose bush itself - it's so craggy looking..the branches scrape the front room window...and it's not very heathcliffe/cathy-esque..how heartless am I?! (lol)

justjohn

"Deep root" goes into the roots so you do not even have too dig out. just cut down as much as possible.

Its also used for killing tree stumps.lol

Suzkin

I've just googled 'Deep root' -very good!!

And great therapy for me too - can't wait to get rid of rosebush!

Suzkin

justjohn wrote: »

lol i have same prob ...but its on top yes on top of a wall. growing in it lol

Wow - what a hardy fighter!

bobinbognor

You don't really tell us why you want the rose bush removed. I guess its overgrown and a straggly mess. Have you considered just cutting each branch back with a small saw to about one foot of the ground. By next year you could have a very pretty show of roses at a height you can control by just pruning each year. Otherwise the advice given is very good. No need to employ anybody, just DIY and enjoy the new view!

Suzkin

bobinbognor wrote: »

You don't really tell us why you want the rose bush removed. I guess its overgrown and a straggly mess. Have you considered just cutting each branch back with a small saw to about one foot of the ground. By next year you could have a very pretty show of roses at a height you can control by just pruning each year. Otherwise the advice given is very good. No need to employ anybody, just DIY and enjoy the new view!

Hi there, Thanks for reminding me - just before it's all too late (in fact, that's the kind of thing my mum would advise!).

I really want 'nice' AND ALSO low maintenance, and it's very thorny and takes up more time than the result is worth. I'm also intending to have the house re-rendered soon, and want to keep the area closest to the house clear - so there are no potential structural problems (My house needs a LOT of essential repair work).

*looking out of the window, onto the front garden*

It's just too close to the house for comfort, and also too old to move elsewhere.

There, I hope I've cleared my conscience...:o

27col

Stop worrying and just hack it down. I suspect that the roots won't be anywhere as large as you expect. If they are, then I can recommend Deep Root Killer as others do. I have a root mound about 4ft across and the stumps of at least 17 bays trees in it. Deep root killed the whole lot in just a few weeks, I dont think that it persists in the soil so replanting is not a problem either.

bobinbognor

Conscience cleared OK! Just hack it down then. It's only a rose after all. LOL !