Patio and trees

[Liamondo]

I'm finishing laying a patio. The last few slabs, 900 X 600 mm, are going to be laid where we have 3 conifer trees, approx a meter apart. They need to be cut down and/or removed. Much as I hate to do this it has to be done.
The trunks are approx 6 inch diameter. If I cut these below ground level, enough to leave about 4 inch sub base, to go on top of the remaining trunk, and 2 inch bedding, do you think this will be OK. I think it's going to be impossible to get the remaining trunk and root out.
Thanks for any help you can give with this.

 

[breezer]

if you cut them down to say 4 foot, you can then dig around the base and use the 4 foot bit to wobble it out (technical term that)

where as if you cut it level you have no leverage to wobble it about (that technical term again)

 

[Liamondo]

cheers Breezer, seems obvious I know, but I was concerned that if I did the technical bit,

to wobble it about

, I would disturb the flags laid near by, but I have gone through a lot of the roots already, so I don't suppose this will be a problem.......ha!! famous last words.
Thanks again.