How To Remove A Shrub

Sometimes it becomes essential to remove dead or diseased shrubs in order to make way for healthier, vibrant plants. Older shrubs can take away from curb appeal so it's best to take them out as soon as possible. Below we look at the steps needed to remove shrubs that are past their prime. 

1. Choose the right time of year to dig up large shrubs. It’s best to take out larger shrubs during the fall or winter when there is no chance of disturbing a birds nest. It’s usually easier to dig when the ground is moist or wet after a rain. If the ground is very hard and filled with clay soil it might be necessary to wet the soil by using a garden hose.   
2. Gather the necessary tools and materials. To penetrate the soil, use a spade or pointed tip shovel that can easily break up hard clay and an ax to cut through thicker roots. This will make it much easier for you to dig up under neath the root ball. You might also need a chain saw or pruning shears to cut the foliage away so that you are able to work more efficiently. 
3. Cut the shrub back to expose the stump. Use the shears or chainsaw to cut the shrub  back until only a small amount of stump is remaining.
4. Dig a trench around the stump to expose the root ball. Use the round-bladed spade to dig a trench around the stump. Be careful not to hit any under ground cables or lines. It's a good idea to call 811 so that they can mark any underground obstructions. 
5. Pull out the root ball. Use a spade shovel and axe to cut through the roots as much as possible so that your able to get a shovel up under neath the complete root-ball. If the root-ball still wont come out you might need to attach a chain and pull it out with a truck or atv. Shaking the soil out of the roots will make the shrub easier to handle.
6. Get up any remaining root and add soil. As soon as you have thrown away the root ball, use an axe or spade to break up as much of the remaining root in the ground as possible. By doing this you will help in the roots decompose faster and turn into nitrogen rich soil. It’s also a good idea to add some rich compost to fill in the hole and help add nutrients for the next plant or shrub. ​