Whilst in Minny this last week, I had a project to take out a mature Yew (6 ft. and nicely groomed) by the side of the house.

This last winter had been tough and this tree got some serious snow-wasting.  It had to go.

I started  by using hedge-trimmers to take out the upper portions, but you can only do so much with those.  I then moved to using an ax, which is close work on a tree like that.  Working in the heat I could only take out several branches before being drenched in sweat.  I must have taken 20 showers due to this work.

I finally got it down to stump mode, then started digging out the dirt to take out the many roots (as much below as above).  Man, that's tough work also.

I left it with still a bunch above ground and 40% cleared below ground. I might consider using 1) someone with a stump grinder or 2) use charcoal briquets to get the rest obliterated.  Not sure.

Back in Hartford, we went out today for a 50 mile bike ride and my shoulders were toast.  #tigerbalm.