Anybody got a big chain?

I'm planning to get rid of a big holly bush out of my front yard sometime this weekend or next week, and on the advice of my uncle, I plan to wrap a chain around the sonofabitch and yank it out with the truck. Got a chain I can borrow? Any thoughts? Will this satisfy my inner redneck? Anybody done this as a form of landscape modification?

Long story short, I plan to re-landscape the front of the house in the spring, but the window guys are coming on the 20th to replace all my windows. There's a giant, crappy-looking holly bush in front that's in the way, and I want it gone anyhow, so I'm going to go ahead and yank it.

I have no chain, but the Green Glory Hole runs now. If you need some torque, give it a call.

Go to Harbor Freight and get one of those nylon tow straps. (That way when it snaps it won't come thru the back window and maim you.)

http://www.harborfreight.com/2-inch-...rap-36612.html

take pictures........

In my experience things go a little more smoothly if you run the chain/strap/whatever over a tire (truck's spare?) so that it's pulling the offending shrubbery up instead of sideways. Get the tire as close to the plant as possible. If you're having to bump it this may or may not work so well. The strap will probably slingshot/whiplash more than a chain, but it's unlikely the strap itself will do any damage whereas the chain can lay down the pain. If you're worried about it lay an old blanket or at least a beach towel over the chain or strap.

What can possibly go wrong?!?!

Chain is better. I broke a tow strap doing this with the holly that surrounded my house when i bought it, and that was using the winch on the front of my Jeep. I have a chain you are welcome to use if you want. Pm me for my number.

Def put a moving blanket on the chain, but it shouldn't whip unless it isn't wrapped well, the bush will come out gradually, not all at once.

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Originally Posted by jrj512

What can possibly go wrong?!?!

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I have the nylon strap. Give me a call if you want it. I can drop it off tomorrow morning. It is not likely to whip if you move your truck very slow.

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Originally Posted by jrj512

What can possibly go wrong?!?!

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Holly with a strap-on? Pick-up truck? Chains & blankets? Whipping? Is this yard work or a home video?

This sounds like it's gonna be fun!

I found a big, healthy strap I'm going to start with. Gab, I'll give you guys a call today or tomorrow when I decide to tackle this. And, yes, I'll try to take pix and maybe video... ::Banana::

Hell yes shoot video. From multiple angles. Is it in front of a window?

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Originally Posted by redmenace

Is it in front of a window?

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Of course. Even better, the windows are getting replaced on Friday...

Gonna need one more camera on the inside then. :D

Dammit... this is harder than I thought... ::Censor::

After an hour of jacking with this, I've manged only to make a mess and ruin one bush. This thing is so entrenched that the truck breaks traction. I think tomorrow I'll go back to the drawing board and attack with a chainsaw and an engine hoist. The roots are going to have to be cut to get the bush out... then I guess I'll have to find a way to get rid of the roots that stay in the ground.

I suck at landscape.

http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/2609/007fail.jpg

Lol. Rick, did you get bush whipped?

Did the neighbors enjoy the show, at least?

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Originally Posted by trickyrix

Dammit... this is harder than I thought... ::Censor::

I suck at landscape.

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Option 1:
Dig around enough to expose the roots...then bust out the reciprocating saw with a demolition blade on it.

Option 2:
Expose the roots. Get a 'farm jack', wrap the chain around the base of the plant and raise it out. (I used that method on removing 43 giant (15'-20' tall) red-tip photinia's from my back yard)

PS - This is a farm jack
http://www.northerntool.com/images/p.../144842_lg.jpg

I have a farm jack (hilift) you can use.

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Originally Posted by sammm

Option 1:
then bust out the reciprocating saw

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I always liked a "Rented" chain saw for that job, so I didn't care how much dirt I went through to get the roots.