- I thought it was clear and follow up comments clarify , the boards are buried in 4" of mud with only 2" showing, how would a person of limited strength remove the boards?
*EDIT** (to resolve questions/for clarity):
Thanks all. I'm sorry I wasn't clearer. The boards are set thin side up–so if it is a 2×4, the approximate depth would be 4". That is, the narrow side is 2": that is the part visible. As for the "horizontal," I really confused things there: I just meant that I have these long, narrow boards sunk about 4" in the ground, running about 40 feet across my yard total. And that is what traps the water: it pools in lower lying areas, especially where two boards meet. I can't post a pic now, but will do if it is still needed in the next few days.
Planning to dig out around the boards, and looking for a recommendation for a tool that 1) is narrow enough to wedge 2-4" into the ground (after digging), under the narrow part of the board (approximately 2").
Is this better? again, apologies. Hopefully I haven't confused things even more.
I moved into a rental where the previous tenant had begun a decking project that he didn't complete. He left behind 2x4s (I think–they're about 2" wide and I'm assuming 4" deep) stuck deep in the ground: at least 40 feet vertically all over the yard. It's messed up the water flow and I'm planning on planting a lawn this summer; I live in the Northwest and just have mud puddles in random places all over the yard.
Additionally, I'm fairly weak–a 43-year-old woman with no muscles :). Trying to find the best possible implements to DIY this (although I'm on a serious budget).
I think I need a heavy duty, long pry bar and, of course, a shovel. I have just a rudimentary understanding of outdoor tools, so forgive me in advance.
PRY BAR/WRECKING BAR
Know that something longer will give more leverage, but also need to make sure will be able to wedge under these boards, and that isn't too heavy to use. I think what I need is a "flat prybar," but I've found sites that list like 30 types of prybars, and none seem totally on point for this project. Is there a better implement? Considering something like the Stanley 55-525 15-inch Super Wonder Bar Pry Bar. Is this good for this purpose, or should I look for a longer model? Really loathe to spend more than $20 since this isn't something I'm going to continue to use.
SHOVEL
Going to have to get out in the rain when the soil is wet and dig before I use the pry bar. I'm assuming a standard round pointed shovel is best for that: is there anything special I should look for given my weakness/ineptitude? Something that is lightweight, with better leverage? Willing to spend more for this since I'll be using it on an ongoing basis.
Best Answer
I would use a shovel and a short piece of wood. Drive the shovel under 1 end ov the board to be lifted pry with the shovel, when the end raises up slip a short piece of 2×4 or other scrap wood under the board, move down and repeat. I live in the PNW also and sometimes wood gets stuck in the mud, if done while wet a wrecking bar should not be needed. A constant pull on the shovel handle should pop it out of the mud. One of my grandsons had 5-6 pealing poles for a fort down by our creek 1/2 covered in mud, I showed him how to pop the end out (I used a rock to support the first end) then the second so he could start building again. He got the rest out by himself and he is only 11.