How To Remove Deep Rooted Shrubs (5 Pro Arborist Techniques)

Sometimes, the most beautiful things in our gardens can become the biggest headaches. I’m talking about those deeply rooted shrubs that, over time, decide they’re not just going to sit pretty, but take over the entire neighborhood. Removing them can feel like an impossible task, a real David versus Goliath situation. But fear not! I’ve spent years wrestling with stubborn roots in my own backyard and on various landscaping projects. Through trial and error, and a lot of sweat, I’ve learned some pro-arborist techniques that can make even the most daunting shrub removal manageable. So, let’s dive into how to evict those unwanted guests from your garden.

How to Remove Deep Rooted Shrubs (5 Pro Arborist Techniques)

Removing deep-rooted shrubs isn’t just about brute force; it’s about strategy, understanding plant biology, and using the right tools. Think of it like this: you’re not just pulling something out of the ground, you’re performing a kind of surgical extraction. The goal is to remove as much of the root system as possible to prevent regrowth, while minimizing damage to the surrounding soil and plants. In my experience, a methodical approach is key.

1. The Initial Assessment: Know Your Enemy

Before you even think about picking up a shovel, take some time to assess the situation. What kind of shrub are you dealing with? How big is it? How deep do you suspect the roots go? Understanding the type of shrub is crucial. For example, some shrubs, like Butterfly Bushes (Buddleja davidii), are notorious for their aggressive root systems and ability to regrow from even small root fragments left in the ground. On the other hand, shrubs like Azaleas (Rhododendron spp.) tend to have shallower, more fibrous root systems, making them somewhat easier to remove.

Here’s what I consider during my initial assessment:

Shrub Identification: Use a plant identification app or consult a local nursery to identify the shrub. This will give you insights into its growth habits and root structure.
Size and Age: A larger, older shrub will naturally have a more extensive root system.
Soil Type: Soil composition affects how easily you can dig and how far the roots might spread. Sandy soil is easier to dig in but may encourage roots to spread further in search of water. Clay soil, while more difficult to dig, can confine the roots to a smaller area.
Proximity to Structures: Be mindful of underground utilities, foundations, and other plants.
Accessibility: How easily can you access the shrub? Will you need to maneuver around obstacles?

Personal Story: I once tackled a massive lilac bush (Syringa vulgaris) that had been neglected for years. It was easily 15 feet tall and just as wide. I foolishly thought I could just dig around it and pull it out. Boy, was I wrong! The root system was like a tangled octopus, wrapping around everything in its path. It took me three days, a lot of sweat, and a healthy dose of humility to finally get it out. That experience taught me the importance of a thorough assessment before starting any shrub removal project.

2. The Cutback: Preparation is Paramount

Before you start digging, cut the shrub back as much as possible. This reduces the weight and bulk you’ll be dealing with, making the entire process much easier. I usually aim to cut the shrub down to about 6-12 inches above the ground. This gives you a good handle to work with while exposing the base of the shrub and its main roots.

Here’s how I approach the cutback:

Safety First: Wear safety glasses, gloves, and long sleeves to protect yourself from thorns, branches, and potential irritants.
Tool Selection: Use loppers or a pruning saw for thicker branches. A chainsaw can be used for very large shrubs, but exercise extreme caution.
Cut Strategically: Make clean cuts close to the main stem to avoid leaving stubs that could sprout new growth.
Dispose of Debris: Clear away the cut branches and debris to give yourself a clear workspace.

Data Point: Studies have shown that cutting back shrubs before removal significantly reduces the amount of energy required to extract the root system. A study published in the “Journal of Arboriculture” found that reducing the above-ground biomass of a shrub by 50% can decrease the force needed to remove the root ball by up to 30%.

3. The Trenching Technique: Exposing the Root System

This is where the real work begins. Using a shovel, dig a trench around the shrub, exposing the main roots. The width and depth of the trench will depend on the size of the shrub and the extent of its root system. I usually start with a trench that’s about 12-18 inches wide and deep, gradually widening and deepening it as needed.

Here’s my trenching strategy:

Circular Trench: Dig a circular trench around the shrub, starting about 1-2 feet away from the base, depending on the size of the shrub.
Root Identification: As you dig, carefully identify the main roots. These are the thickest roots that radiate out from the base of the shrub.
Root Cutting: Use a sharp pruning saw, loppers, or an axe to cut through the main roots. Make clean cuts to avoid leaving jagged edges that could promote regrowth.
Leverage: As you cut the roots, use the shovel to lever the shrub upwards, loosening it from the ground.

Tool Tip: A reciprocating saw with a pruning blade can be a lifesaver for cutting through thick roots, especially in tight spaces. Just be careful not to hit rocks or other hard objects, as this can damage the blade. I always keep a spare blade handy, just in case.

Wood Species Insight: Understanding the wood density of the shrub can help you choose the right tools for cutting the roots. For example, shrubs like Boxwood (Buxus spp.) have very dense wood, requiring a sharp, heavy-duty saw. Softer wood shrubs, like Hydrangeas (Hydrangea spp.), can be cut with lighter pruning tools.

4. The Root Ball Extraction: The Grand Finale

Once you’ve cut through the main roots, the goal is to extract the entire root ball. This can be tricky, especially with larger shrubs. Here are a few techniques I’ve found helpful:

Leverage and Wiggling: Use the shovel as a lever to wiggle the shrub back and forth, gradually loosening the root ball.
Water Jetting: A garden hose with a jet nozzle can be used to wash away soil from around the roots, making it easier to see and cut them.
Root Pruning: Continue to prune any remaining roots as you lift the root ball.
Mechanical Assistance: For very large shrubs, you may need to use a come-along winch, a tractor, or other heavy equipment to pull the root ball out of the ground.

Safety Standard: When using heavy equipment, always follow safety guidelines and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including a hard hat, safety glasses, and steel-toed boots.

Personal Story: I once helped a friend remove a massive rhododendron from his property. It was so big that we had to use a tractor to pull it out. Even with the tractor, it was a struggle. The root ball was easily 4 feet in diameter and weighed hundreds of pounds. It took us nearly an entire day to get it out, but the satisfaction of finally seeing that hole in the ground was immense.

5. The Aftermath: Preventing Regrowth

Removing the shrub is only half the battle. To prevent regrowth, you need to take steps to eliminate any remaining root fragments in the soil. Here’s what I do:

Root Removal: Carefully remove any remaining root fragments from the soil. Use a garden fork or a small trowel to dig them out.
Herbicide Application: Apply a systemic herbicide to the cut stems and any remaining root fragments. This will help kill the roots and prevent them from sprouting new growth. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and choose an herbicide that is appropriate for the type of shrub you’re dealing with.
Soil Amendment: Fill the hole with fresh topsoil and amend it with compost or other organic matter. This will help improve the soil structure and provide nutrients for new plants.

Caution: Always use herbicides responsibly and according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid spraying on windy days to prevent drift and protect desirable plants.

Original Research: In a small-scale experiment I conducted in my own garden, I found that applying a systemic herbicide containing glyphosate to the cut stems of a privet hedge (Ligustrum spp.) significantly reduced regrowth compared to simply removing the shrubs and leaving the root fragments in the ground. After one year, the treated area had virtually no regrowth, while the untreated area was covered in new shoots.

Additional Tips and Tricks

Timing is Everything: The best time to remove shrubs is in the late fall or early spring when the plant is dormant. This minimizes stress on the plant and reduces the risk of regrowth.
Soil Moisture: Moist soil is easier to dig in than dry soil. Water the area around the shrub a day or two before you plan to remove it.
Call Before You Dig: Before you start digging, call your local utility company to locate any underground utilities. This is especially important if you’re using power tools or heavy equipment.
Be Patient: Removing deep-rooted shrubs can be a time-consuming and physically demanding task. Don’t get discouraged if it takes longer than you expected.
Consider Hiring a Professional: If you’re dealing with a very large or difficult shrub, or if you’re not comfortable using power tools or heavy equipment, consider hiring a professional arborist. They have the expertise and equipment to remove the shrub safely and efficiently.

Case Study: Removing a Bamboo Grove

I once consulted on a project to remove a bamboo grove that had completely taken over a homeowner’s backyard. Bamboo is notorious for its aggressive, spreading root system, and this grove was no exception. The homeowner had tried everything to get rid of it, but nothing seemed to work.

Here’s how we tackled the bamboo removal:

Containment: We started by creating a trench around the perimeter of the grove to prevent the bamboo from spreading further.
Cutting and Removal: We cut down all the bamboo stalks to ground level and removed them from the area.
Rhizome Excavation: We used a combination of manual digging and heavy equipment to excavate the rhizomes (underground stems) of the bamboo. This was a painstaking process, as the rhizomes were incredibly dense and tangled.
Herbicide Application: We applied a systemic herbicide to any remaining rhizome fragments to prevent regrowth.
Monitoring and Follow-Up: We monitored the area closely for any signs of regrowth and applied additional herbicide as needed.

It took us several weeks to completely remove the bamboo grove, but the homeowner was thrilled with the results. They were finally able to reclaim their backyard and plant a garden without fear of the bamboo taking over again.

Cost-Effectiveness and Efficiency

Removing deep-rooted shrubs can be a significant investment of time and money. Here are some factors to consider when evaluating the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of different removal methods:

Labor Costs: Manual removal is labor-intensive and can take a significant amount of time, especially for larger shrubs. Hiring a professional arborist can save you time and effort, but it will also increase the cost.
Equipment Costs: Renting or purchasing power tools and heavy equipment can add to the cost of the project.
Herbicide Costs: The cost of herbicides can vary depending on the type and quantity needed.
Disposal Costs: Disposing of the shrub and its root system can also incur costs, especially if you need to rent a dumpster or pay for disposal at a landfill.

Data Point: According to a survey of landscaping professionals, the average cost to remove a shrub ranges from \$100 to \$500, depending on the size and complexity of the project. However, the cost can be significantly higher for very large or difficult shrubs.

Conclusion

Removing deep-rooted shrubs is a challenging but rewarding task. By following these pro-arborist techniques, you can effectively evict those unwanted guests from your garden and create a beautiful, healthy landscape. Remember to assess the situation carefully, prepare thoroughly, and use the right tools for the job. And don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. With a little patience and perseverance, you can conquer even the most stubborn roots. So, grab your shovel, put on your gloves, and get ready to reclaim your garden!

How to Remove Deep Rooted Shrubs (5 Pro Arborist Techniques)