How can I kill hedge roots safely?

[jenny.p]

Does anyone know of a safe and not too expensive root killer?
I have cut down an old privit hedge and am building a wooden stepcase above where it used to be - I can't afford to get them proffesionally removed but need to prevent them from re-growing and pushing up against the steps. I have a nosey old cat and I really don't want to harm him - or the environment if I can help it!

[rainbowgardener]

The best way really is to have them drilled out. I had that done to a few giant old hedge plants the last place I lived and it really was not very expensive. You might want to call around and get a few quotes, you might find it's not so bad. Otherwise it might be possible to rent one of the augurs they use and DIY (do it yourself).

[Kisal]

When I removed a laurel hedge, a friend and I dug the roots out by hand. It wasn't what I would call easy work, but it definitely was inexpensive.

[jenny.p]

Thanks for the advice. I am going to see if we can dig round the roots ourselves and if not I will definately get a quote to have them removed professionally.