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  Paul @ Ashgate Garden Care April 27, 2010 at 6:35am

  I'd cut the leaves off, dig a trench around the root plate and tunnel underneath as far as I could then attack it with my mattock.
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  James Miles April 27, 2010 at 6:44am

  Thanks
  
  yes my plan is to cut of top growth with chainsaw and then go for it! How large is the root system?
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    Classic Gardens > James Miles April 27, 2010 at 7:34am

    I wouldn't use a chainsaw as the leaves would just chew and block the blades, I would think it it would be the same affect as cutting into a pair of chainsaw trousers!!
    
    The best way would be a very SHARP pair of secatures or shears, one man pulling on the leaves whilst the other cuts.
    
    James Miles said:

    Thanksyes my plan is to cut of top growth with chainsaw and then go for it! How large is the root system?
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  Mark April 27, 2010 at 7:30am

  I think it will choke your chainsaw in double quick time sharp shears or maybe hedge cutter might be a better option ??
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  James Miles April 27, 2010 at 7:58am

  Thanks,
  
  your right very stringy (i think you can make rope out of the leaves) to large for secatures i would be at it all day and the next!!! Hedge cutter may do the job(HS81R).
  • PRO

    Paul @ Ashgate Garden Care > James Miles April 27, 2010 at 12:21pm

    I'd use a brushcutter as it might be a bit green for your hedge trimmer.
    
    James Miles said:

    Thanks,your right very stringy (i think you can make rope out of the leaves) to large for secatures i would be at it all day and the next!!! Hedge cutter may do the job(HS81R).
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  Gary Hedges April 27, 2010 at 4:33pm

  I dug out a big one yesterday.
  Use a very sharp knife to clear the leaves a chainsaw or hedgecutter are no good, I think I'm right in saying the fibres are the raw material for flax.
  You'll find that each plant consists of many basal shoots, starting from the edge use a sharp spade to break them off, working under the plant as you go, once you have removed a few of these the going gets easier!
  Good luck.
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  Dan Frazer Gardening April 27, 2010 at 5:01pm

  I have been cutting down a lot of phormium lately on a site where they have overgrown and blocking windows. I use a stanley knife and slice up the leaves an inch from the base. Takes about ten minutes to do a big one like the ones you talk about. Fill a builders bag with the leaves, heavier than you might expect!
  
  A sharp hand-axe might be a better tool, I've been meaning to buy one.
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  James Miles April 27, 2010 at 6:13pm

  Thanks everyone you have been a great help