Don't wait--just cut through any roots that are obstructing your planting hole and plant. Hints on tools: A mattock will go through two inch roots without you using much effort. With effort you can cut larger roots with a mattock. The next alternative is an axe, preferably one with a 36" handle. Just get down on your knees and chop--you can cut almost any size root this way, but 5 inchers are easy. Just make sure there are no stones next to the roots that you might hit--dig those away first. Then they make cutting tools with a long handle that you can use with the same kind of motion as a digging bar. These have fairly wide and sharp cutting blade. You could use a chainsaw, but I don't think it is worth it to ruin the chain--the sand, etc. in the soil will dull it faster than you can imagine and if you persist with it the chain will be very difficult to re-sharpen.

It will take several years for the roots to rot so you will not have any obstructions when planting--definately don't wait.

--Spruce

Thanks, Spruce - that's great to hear. I can't wait to get something up and growing again.
Would it be better to plant another set of pines there, or should I switch to something else? Will the acidic soil or the leftover roots make it difficult for anything else to grow?

The other great tool we have been using extensively for cutting large roots, small trees, etc. is a Sawz-All, or reciprocating saw. Available in a rechargeable battery operated model with lots of power.

I don't think you have to worry about the soil--plant what you want. Of course if you have highly acidic soils in your area and are concerned, you could have it tested. Of course if it is very acidic, you could spread some pulverized limestone. But most trees can grow in strongly acid soils--5.0 or a bit lower. Most trees, including white pines, actually do better in soils with a pH over 5 or even 5.5. Some require higher pH soils, but I have not had any trouble with anything I have planted yet, and they have all been planted in strongly acid soils.

--Spruce

with most conifers... once all the green is cut off .. the trunk and roots are technically dead ... there are no dormant buds, so there is little chance it will regrow ...

how long will it take to rot .. well ... in my dry sand.. forever .... in moister soil.. shorter .. and BTW.. enjoy the mushroom show that is on its way as they rot ...

it is hard work .. but you shouldn't have all that hard a time digging some new holes for trees .... especially if you move 10 to 15 feet from the stumps .... and if you cant handle it.. hire a couple of strapping young men to go at a couple holes .... sometimes its easier to pay .. lol ...

sharpen your shovel ... get a good tree saw ... and some pruning shears .....and just start digging ... and if you run across a giant root... shift the hole over a bit and keep going ... until you have a decent sized hole ...

a lot of the bigboxstores get in fresh stock in the fall ... DO NOT BUY STOCK THAT HAS BEEN SITTING THERE ALL SUMMER .... buy them now.. leave them in the shade in the pots.. until about October or so ... i do this in my zone 5.. i think you can still do it in zone 6 in fall .... and plant them once they lose their leaves... untangle the bigger roots in the pot ... spread them out.. water it well through thanksgiving.. water deeply ... into the rootball .. when ever your finger inserted 3 to 6 inches indicates it is dry ..and then water it deeply all next summer.. and they should take off like rockets..

in the alternative.. do it in April, as soon as the soil thaws .... and stock is available ..

add 3 to 4 inches of good mulch ... speaking of which .. do NOT let them take away the wood chips from those pines.. free mulch for your new trees ... the trunks are poor firewood .. and not worth using indoors ... but if you like campfires... keep that also ...

good luck

ken

kim_dirtdigger - I'll check on one of those saws; I'm sure I would use it for more than this project. Thanks!

Spruce - thanks for the info. I'm going to have our local nursery come out and give me some advice on what my options are now.

ken - thanks for the tips. I appreciate all the info, and plan on going to look for some trees soon. I just bought a new shovel and a blade sharpener for my axe - and I have a new bottle of ibuprofen -, so I guess all I have to do now is figure out where I want to put my new tree(s). Hopefully, it won't be as hard to dig my holes as I think it's going to be..., but I'm pretty sure it will be :)

Ken and Spruceman, truer words were never spoken.
Good advice. Spot on!