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They can be a bugger to get moving, but once you've started not so bad - we use a 7lb mattock for that kind of work, once you've got it moving you can lever it out.
I'd cut off the lower growth, so you can see the base. Go at it with the mattock and, using glove, use the remaining leaves to rock the plant loose in sections. The mattock will work through the root structure and it will come out as the multiple plants it is.
If you search the forum (using the Google search facility on the LJN home page) you will find previous discussions and a lot of ideas & approaches ;-)...To get you started, here is one such thread:
http://www.landscapejuicenetwork.com/forum/topics/removing-phormium
Thanks a lot for your replies.
I love doing these jobs. here is one thing that may assist.
I was taught that from older gardener , together we moved many huge plants. Big palm trees etc.
1. dig all around it a tunnel, use the hose pipe than with a thumb on top to create a pressure ( or use the water 'gun ') . and cut the bottom part with the pressure.
you will need to move it to be near the soil so water can cut it well.
In this way you may get it all with beautiful peace of soil on the roots. next pull out etc.
hope it can assist
I third the mattock idea. Get it down to a few inches above ground by coming in from the side, them chop it vetically and you'll get chunks of it out. These are one oy my most hated plants, difficult to keep within the size required for the setting, pruning/trimming not possible and they tend not to fit in with most plants in gardens. The only remedy for overgrown ones is either dig out, or chop at the base to enable fresh young growth. You'll be back to hacking again within 3 years though!
And then when it's out, strip the leaves to expose the fibres leave it in the english sun (ha ha) to dry and it will curl and then you can make a Maori Piupiu (skirt) - the Phormium is NZ flax used in making these garments and also farmers bailing twine - strong old stuff.
Thanks guys,
Basically lots of Brufen before I start I think! Need to charge them for the day/s of aches and pains afterwards too. I might get a new skirt out of it though ;-)
Just to let you know that the Phormiums are out and I couldn't of done it without my new mattock, it was brilliant! The job went really well, thanks for your advice.
I went without a mattock for far too long, superb tool to have in the van! Glad you got it in the end - how long did it take?
It took about an hour and a half for each one, including cutting off the leaves with shears first. I think I'd still be there without my mattock, it was the perfect tool for the job.