Hello. It's springtime and that means outdoor landscaping.

Does anyone know an easy way of removing mature hedges that are about 4feet high and 20 feet long without using chains and a pickup truck?

Thank you.
Norm

Hi, Norm,
The method you mentioned sounds good to me!
I've always used the old shovel, ax, and hard work. I like your idea better!
I am sorry, but don't know any other way.
If you burn them, according to local laws, while still in the ground, then the roots will still be there.
Wish I had thought of your idea a couple of years ago, when I dug up 4 hedges in front of the house!
I do wish you the best of luck.

Unless you want to break your back to dig up the root ball, pulling it out by the roots is the way to go.

An alternative to a truck and chain is a come-along (http://www.americantrails.org/i/tools/comealong.jpg), if you've got a good anchor for it.

BUT BE CAREFUL. If the chain breaks it could fly right at you and hurt you pretty bad.

HI,
Instead of a chain, why not a "tough" piece of nylon towing strap? There are straps made, sold at Auto parts stores, that can withstand a lot of tension, pulling cars, trucks, etc.
I have personally seen the effects of a chain snapping, causing injury.