Craigslist Boxwood

[Poink88]

I saw a Craigslist ad this weekend for a couple of mature boxwood (see attached pics). I responded and expressed interest but did not hear back from the poster. Today before noon, he texted me and asked if I am still interested. I went this afternoon and shocked at the size. They are at least 6 feet tall, wider, and deeper too . I almost ran away!!!

Anyway, I talked to the owner and told them that I cannot get these and if they will let me, I will dig one small trunk off one but that is it. They agreed so I went to work. About 30 minutes in the neighbor (about 80 years old lady) starter heckling me. Asking if I can dig her rose bushes too and if I want to take these BW, it will take me a year. She also said, I will reach China before I can pull one off! LOL. She is a hoot! Made the task go a little easier.

Anyway, I managed to pull one trunk which hardly made a dent on the bush...it still looked the same when I finished with a small bald spot. Got home and potted it. No pics yet (too dark already) but I'll try to snap one tomorrow.

I thought this will never come, but I actually wished I was collecting a smaller boxwood!

 

[davetree]

How big were the trunks on these monsters ?

 

[Poink88]

How big were the trunks on these monsters ?

The piece I took is about 4" (or bigger)...most are about the same size & bigger but so many! It is like cluster of dozen on each. I bet some of them originated from one base but is buried deep. I got lucky that the one I chose is an independent tree. The cluster made the dig very difficult not to mention the crossing roots (some are 2") that I have to hack off.

The actual base on mine is about 6" below the soil but the top is filled with fine roots. I have to bury it deeper so I can use the surface roots to sustain the tree for now. My plan is to slowly lower the soil level over the years. Hopefully it will force the bottom to root more.

 

[jkd2572]

Why wouldn't you try them all.? This guy is going to pull them out of the ground no matter what. You kill them or he does.

 

[Poink88]

Why wouldn't you try them all.? This guy is going to pull them out of the ground no matter what. You kill them or he does.

I am not as young and strong as I want. The one I collected taxed me enough for the day already. PLUS my tight backyard.

He assured me that there are lots of interested parties waiting after me...so I felt better knowing they won't just be killed/trashed.

BTW, the owner is flipping the house...bought it, renovating, then re-selling. He is saving money by having someone take them instead of paying someone to do it.

 

[Neli]

Is he selling them or giving them away. That must be fantastic find. I think digging the whole clamp would be easier.

 

[Poink88]

Is he selling them or giving them away. That must be fantastic find. I think digging the whole clamp would be easier.

Just giving them away.

I believe you are right being easier taking the whole thing (per se) but the root ball will be massive. I cannot fit that thing in a sedan as hard as I chop back. I also know I will lose daylight (and I did even with the small one). The big roots and clay soil makes it difficult.

I also dug from the back...the front is near a concrete driveway, that will make digging that side difficult.

I am done. Not coming back for more of it and I am glad I only took what I did.

 

[Neli]

I would have dug the whole night...

 

[Poink88]

I have dug the whole night...

LOL. You, or the help? Just joking. I know you are willing to get down and get dirty if need be.

If it is not a weekday, I might have done a bit more. Another BIG problem with these (mismanaged hedge) is their lack of movement and branching. Most looks like they are competing with each other for light (which I am sure is the case). The small (outside) piece I took at least have some lower branching.

I prefer matured 3-4 foot (normal sized) hedge and will take those over monsters like these anytime.

 

[bonsai barry]

Proof that everything is bigger in Texas.

 

[bonsai barry]

I've always been hesitant to remove plants from strangers' yards. I am afraid of liability issues. What if I pull up part of the water system or other pipes?

 

[Poink88]

I've always been hesitant to remove plants from strangers' yards. I am afraid of liability issues. What if I pull up part of the water system or other pipes?

Good point. I always make sure to ask the owner if there is shallow; waterline, cable, gas, phone, irrigation, etc. line within the dig area. If there is, I may back out.

There is a very promising ad last week but in it it said "there is an irrigation system and if you damage it, you pay for the repair". I did not even message the poster. Sadly because he has wickedly large Pyracantha I would love to get.

 

[Neli]

LOL. You, or the help? Just joking. I know you are willing to get down and get dirty if need be.

If it is not a weekday, I might have done a bit more. Another BIG problem with these (mismanaged hedge) is their lack of movement and branching. Most looks like they are competing with each other for light (which I am sure is the case). The small (outside) piece I took at least have some lower branching.

I prefer matured 3-4 foot (normal sized) hedge and will take those over monsters like these anytime.

If the help is around they will have to dig...but if you see my nails and hands...you will know how much gardening and bonsaing I do....I am always dirty...scratched...cracked hands...dressed like an orphan...on my knees on the ground...

 

[Poink88]

If the help is around they will have to dig...but if you see my nails and hands...you will know how much gardening and bonsaing I do....I am always dirty...scratched...cracked hands...dressed like an orphan...on my knees on the ground...

You and me both. We roll the same way...

After digging I talked with the workers (there were still 2 left hanging cabinets) and they cannot believe I am an Engineer and did what I just did. I told them it makes me happy.

 

[drew33998]

Good point. I always make sure to ask the owner if there is shallow; waterline, cable, gas, phone, irrigation, etc. line within the dig area. If there is, I may back out.

There is a very promising ad last week but in it it said "there is an irrigation system and if you damage it, you pay for the repair". I did not even message the poster. Sadly because he has wickedly large Pyracantha I would love to get.

Irrigation is easy to fix if you break it. Hacksaw, coupling and glue. Easier than digging the bushes for sure.

 

[Poink88]

Irrigation is easy to fix if you break it. Hacksaw, coupling and glue. Easier than digging the bushes for sure.

I know, I just hate being responsible for something possibly broken to begin with. I've repaired some of those before but they come in various materials...some easier to find replacement parts and repair than others.

 

[Neli]

You and me both. We roll the same way...

After digging I talked with the workers (there were still 2 left hanging cabinets) and they cannot believe I am an Engineer and did what I just did. I told them it makes me happy.

Same here. An engineer... that is happy to dig and be dirty, in the name of happiness.

 

[michaelj]

I've always been hesitant to remove plants from strangers' yards. I am afraid of liability issues. What if I pull up part of the water system or other pipes?

You fix it. I always bring a kit. I've had to repair sprinkler pipes several times. No big deal. Far cheaper than buying equivalent material from a nursery.

 

[nathanbs]

pics or it didnt happen!!!

 

[Poink88]

pics or it didnt happen!!!

LOL. Hold you horses! What a demanding group...sheesh!

I will when I get home. It was dark when I finished last night and still dark when I left this morning.