Question
I have recently moved into a new home near Glasgow with a large overgrown garden and hedges everywhere. I have cut them down and am digging out roots (nightmare!). What should I put onto the soil to kill any roots I may have missed?
There is also a large forest flame (3ft) that I would lie to resite, make smaller and take cuttings from. Are all of these possible? It currently gets full sunlight from morning till late afternoon and is flourishing.

Answer
Paula,
As far as something to put into the soil to kill the roots, I know of nothing short of fumigation that would kill all the roots. Fumigation is a dangerous practice and I would not recommend it. The severed oots will break down naturally in time.
The Pieris japonica 'forest flame' should be relocated in either the mid to late fall or early spring. You can prune it once it is done flowering to ensure that you will have flowers for next year.
Cutting from the plant will root easily if collected in the winter and are treated with a rooting hormone in peat.
Good luck.
Ed Gulliksen