What's the best approach to removing willows?

[Otto Syracuse]

Report: The Brush Grubber arrived and works like a charm. I pulled out some fairly big size trees with it. The only shortcoming is this -- every tree requires I get off the tractor twice: once to attach the device to a tree after positioning the tractor, then again to remove the uprooted tree from the grubber. Be mindful that getting on or off the tractor, involves shifting into or out of neutral and engaging or releasing the park brake. Two people would have been four or five times more productive than I was today, working alone. Anybody wish to help next weekend?

Yep told you that you needed a helper.
I got my 16 yo daughter to drive the tractor while I did the chain and grabber part. Still a lot of work!

 

[SGBotsford]

A spray rig first......then hog them.

Other way around. Bushhog first. Wait 3 weeks re-sprout of the whips to be 2-3 feet tall, then round-up.

 

[tmeadows]

You will still need to spray after you pull them up unless you get every root. They will sucker up from the root.

 

[murphy1244]

I ordered a brush grubber x-treme today. I'll report on how well it works. Looks like it might be useful, on occasion, even if it proves too slow tackling my willow problem. When I get tired of pulling them out, I'll spray 'em (plan B). Thanks all for your expertise!

Where did you get the brush grubber and how much? Photos?

 

[s219]

Northern Tool sells brush grubbers, and you can get them online too (Amazon, etc).

 

[2458n]

Seconds on the bushog first. Wait a couple of weeks and round up. Bushog first to allow spray booms to remain unmolested.Larger stumps need it painted on.