Slabs and trees - Slabs where the trees are

[liamlomond9]

I'm finishing laying a patio. The last few slabs, 900 X 600 mm, are going to be laid where we have 3 conifer trees, approx a meter apart. They need to be cut down and/or removed. Much as I hate to do this it has to be done.
The trunks are approx 6 inch diameter. If I cut these below ground level, enough to leave about 4 inch sub base, to go on top of the remaining trunk, and 2 inch bedding, do you think this will be OK. I think it's going to be impossible to get the remaining trunk and root out.
Thanks for any help you can give with this.

[Dave_L]

Cut them right down as far as you can then treat the remaining stubs with a generous dose of sodium chlorate, that should put paid to them.

[liamlomond9]

Thanks Dave. Sounds good. I heard a few years ago something about hammering copper nails into the stump would have a similar effect. Not sure if that's an old wives tale.....Maybe I'll sodium chlorate them and nail um.
cheers again

[Dave_L]

I've heard the same, too - so I'm sure there is an element of truth to it.

Go to www.google.com and type in "kill tree copper nails"

Hours of fun reading :p