Thanks for the good information. I guess I was thinking of how I had read about getting an old juniper and cutting the roots while in the ground. I cannot remember the term used, but now that I think of it, you were to do one side, wait a year and do the next, but not cut the top. I figured since trees do better in the ground, this would be a really good idea. But as Zack and RockM have explained, cutting the top and roots at the same time left it nothing to grow. I thought it would have full small roots .... with as many as are growing there it did not hurt to try, but I don't want to kill a tree no matter how many are there. Guess I will just collect and bring home.
Hack Yeah, if you read the first post I used a hand saw and wore me out. The next time I borrowed a reciprocating saw, much easier.... plan to buy one in the future ... will keep you in mind if I need one before then