When to remove a tree before building a pool?

[hoosierdoc]

We plan to put in a pool in a few years and there are four trees right in the middle of where we want the pool. It's also a shallow spot that holds water so they help dry it up.

My question is how far in advance should I cut the trees down? I don't want active roots around an inground pool and i'm not sure how long it'll take to truly kill the root system.

 

[shibumiseeker]

Without chemical intervention it can take many YEARS to kill the root system. We still have American Chestnut trees in our forests because they root-sprout and grow long enough to keep the root system alive before the blight (which affects mature chestnut) kills them.

Before you cut them down inject them with Tordon or similar and let it permeate the root system for a few weeks (late summer is best, that's when trees are storing). That'll ensure a thorough kill and you should be fine with the site without waiting.

 

[forgop]

Nothing a chainsaw and a backhoe can't undo just prior to installing the pool IMO.

 

[femurphy77]

Hey Doc when you're ready to dig that pool I'll call the FBI and tell them that Hoffa's buried in your backyard! That should ge the excavation done for cheap!!!

 

[bluewraith]

Hey Doc when you're ready to dig that pool I'll call the FBI and tell them that Hoffa's buried in your backyard! That should ge the excavation done for cheap!!!

That may not work so well..
https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...my_hoffa_might_have_been_found_seriously.html

 

[hoosierdoc]

That may not work so well..
https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo...my_hoffa_might_have_been_found_seriously.html

And I already kinda make the joke, but in a punitive way (same thread)

https://www.indianagunowners.com/fo..._have_been_found_seriously-2.html#post4267241

 

[Hammer]

You will be fine if you remove them just prior to excavation as the roots need sunlight to grow and they are below ground and thus won't grow and rot out eventually.

 

[wlkjr]

Whatever you do don't plant any kind of shrubs anywhere near the area. I made the mistake of planting some Redtips and then later after pulling them up with a tractor, replanted some kind of shrub. Big mistake. I have several roots running under my liner and one has about a 2 inch diameter knot on it. My wife only married me for the pool so I'm doomed when it goes.

 

[remauto1187]

Take an ax or chainsaw and wound all the trees you want dead. (1 foot off the ground) Immediately after wounding the trees brush roundup into the wounds. Those trees will start turning their leaves yellow in 2-3 weeks. Dead in a month or 2.

 

[92ThoStro]

You want to put an in-ground pool at the lowest point in your yard, that is used as a retention area? I hope you have a lot of dirt coming in....

 

[hoosierdoc]

You want to put an in-ground pool at the lowest point in your yard, that is used as a retention area? I hope you have a lot of dirt coming in....

I'm hoping the hole is enough dirt to fix the drainage issues. It will be a great time to fix it regardless and will be part of the bid.

 

[SmileDocHill]

I've seen your pool, don't you just need a bike pump for that thing?

 

[hoosierdoc]

I've seen your pool, don't you just need a bike pump for that thing?

Heh. The IU degree thread was actually a vinyl pool my mom gave us. No pump required