How to Remove Large Bushes

Sometimes, you need to remove old, overgrown bushes that no longer serve much purpose in order to clear space for new, more useful plants. Additionally, these old bushes can become unattractive and disrupt the aesthetic of your garden. It’s best to address them as soon as they lose their appeal. This guide will show you the most effective methods for removing or relocating large bushes.

Choose the right time of year to dig up large bushes. It’s best to prune the bush during a period when birds are not nesting to avoid disturbing wildlife.

• For this reason, you should aim to remove large bushes in the fall or winter.
• Soil tends to be easier to dig when it’s dry, so it’s best to avoid digging right after heavy rain.

Prepare the necessary tools and materials. A sharp pruning shear and a small saw will make it much easier to cut through shrubs – remember that sharp blades are safer than dull ones.

• A round-tipped hoe with a sharp end is better for digging, and a mattock will help when cutting through tree roots.
• Also, don't forget to wear appropriate clothing – this includes thick gardening gloves and sturdy boots.

Trim the bushes to expose the tree stump. Use pruning shears to trim the shrubs until only a few stumps remain.

• This step helps you uncover the roots, making it easier to pull them from the soil, which is necessary for completely removing the shrubs.
• If the tree roots remain in the soil, the plants will grow back.

Dig a trench around the tree stump to reveal the roots. Use a round-tipped hoe to dig a trench around the base of the tree stump. Be cautious when digging near water pipes or electrical cables.

• You may want to contact local authorities to check for any underground utilities in the area where you plan to dig.

Pull the roots out of the soil. Use a hoe and mattock to sever as many roots as possible, making it easier to pull the entire root system out of the ground.

• While removing the main root will usually prevent the shrub from regrowing, it's better to remove as much of the remaining root as possible to make room for planting new plants.
• Shake off the soil attached to the roots to lighten the load and make them easier to handle.

Dispose of the uprooted shrub. Dispose of the plant after cutting it and removing its roots from the soil. You can compost smaller shrubs or consider burning larger ones.

• Do not compost diseased plant parts – it's best to burn them or throw them away to prevent spreading the disease to other plants.

Cut off any remaining roots and apply composted fertilizer. Once you have removed the root ball, use a hoe or spade to cut off as much of the remaining roots in the soil as possible. This will allow the roots to naturally decompose in the soil.

• At this stage, it's also a good idea to add well-composted manure or fertilizer into the soil to prepare it for the new plants you will soon be putting in.

Use a chain to pull the shrub out of the ground. Another technique that requires less digging is to wrap a chain around the base of the plant and pull it out of the soil using a winch or towing vehicle.

• This process becomes easier if you use a hoe to dig around the roots a little, making it easier to lift the plant from the ground.
• Be cautious about underground water pipes or electrical cables to avoid damaging any utilities buried beneath the surface.

Kill the shrub with chemicals. Trim down most of the shrub, leaving just a short stump above the ground. Purchase herbicides containing glyphosate from a garden supply store.

• This method should be done soon after cutting the shrub, and it is not effective on older stumps that have been established for many years. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for safety.
• Treat the stump during fall or winter when the plant has less sap. You may need to drill holes into the stump to apply the herbicide.
• Be patient, as the stump might take a long time to die, and you won't be able to plant anything new right away.

See if anyone wants your shrub. While you may want to remove the plant, someone else might be interested in it.

• Try posting an ad on local bulletin boards to see if anyone is interested in digging up the plant and taking it away.
• Take a beautiful photo of the shrub, and you may be surprised to find someone who is willing to take it off your hands!

Plan to move the shrub in the fall or early spring. Prepare the soil at the new location by adding plenty of well-rotted manure or compost. It is best to plan this well in advance if possible. Dig up the shrub in the fall after the leaves have fallen or in early spring before the new buds begin to form.

Prepare the planting hole at the new location before moving the plant. This is crucial as it allows you to replant the shrub as quickly as possible, reducing stress and preventing the roots from drying out.

• When digging the new hole, ensure it is wide enough by measuring the shrub's root size. You can do this by using a tape measure at a point 15 cm above the ground on the main stem.
• Measure the stem at this point, then multiply that number by 10 to get the root diameter. Once you have the diameter of the root ball, dig a hole with a width equal to or larger than this measurement.

Water the plant before transplanting. If the soil is sandy, it is recommended to water the plant generously for 2-3 days before moving it. This will help preserve the roots when you dig up the plant.

Dig up the root system. Use a spade to carefully dig up the roots, keeping the back of the spade facing the plant. To move the shrub, place it on an old cloth or tarpaulin and drag it across the ground.

• If you are not replanting immediately, tie the branches together to protect them. Start at the bottom and spiral the branches up tightly around the stem.
• Bundle the roots as compactly as possible, but avoid tightening the ties too much to prevent damage to the branches.

Replant the shrub. Position the plant's roots in the new location and cover with soil. Avoid compacting the soil by stepping on it, as this could damage the roots. Water generously until the plant establishes its roots in the new spot.

• Try to select a cool, calm day for replanting to prevent the plant from suffering stress due to hot or dry weather conditions.