Sycamore stump removal - shallow or deep roots?

[lww05]

I began digging up a Sycamore stump this evening that is about 24" diameter. This thing will force me to take my time especially using a Kubota BX23. Glad I have this one only to do.

I think I have about half of it done and what I found out so far is that the main side roots are fairly shallow. I am curious if anybody out there has dug up one of these and can tell me if this type of tree has a deep main tap root or will I get lucky and it wind up to be mostly a shallow system.

Thanks

 

[KiotiJohn]

The Sycamore tree has what is known as a "heart root" system which is rather spread out, but can go deep. In clay soils, they tend not to go as deep as in loamy or sandy soils.
I don't think you'll find a central tap like you would on something like our southern pine, but you'll find plenty of roots and of good size.
I think you'll be able to this one out though, with a lot of time and persitence. Taps are so much worse than heart roots.
John