How do you remove a bush with deep roots?

Removing a bush with deep roots can be a challenging task, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be done. Here is a step-by-step guide to removing bushes with deep root systems.

Assessing the Bush and Roots

The first step is to assess the bush you want to remove and get an idea of how large and deep the root system is. Here are some things to look for:

• Size of the bush – Large, mature bushes will likely have extensive root systems.
• Age of the bush – Older bushes have had more time to establish deep roots.
• Root suckers – If you see new shoots sprouting up from the roots away from the main bush, this indicates a spreading root system.
• Difficulty removing branches – If branches seem firmly anchored into the ground, this can indicate deep roots.

Also inspect the area around the bush to get clues about the root depth. Roots normally extend at least as far down as the visible bush is tall and often farther. So for a 6 foot tall bush, expect roots to extend 6 feet or more down.

Removing Surface Roots

Before tackling the main root ball, remove any visible surface roots radiating out from the bush. Use an ax or saw to chop the roots away several inches below ground level. Removing surface roots first makes removing the entire root ball easier.

Digging Around the Root Ball

The next step is to start digging a trench around the main root ball to expose and cut away the major roots. Follow these steps:

1. Use a shovel, pickax or mattock and dig a trench around the bush 2-3 feet out from the trunk.
2. Dig down at least 18-24 inches around the perimeter if possible.
3. Chop through any large roots encountered with an ax or saw.
4. After trenching around the perimeter, start undercutting larger side roots by burrowing the shovel or pickax underneath them.
5. Once a significant number of roots have been cut, try gently rocking the bush back and forth to break more of the anchoring roots until the bush feels loose.

Removing the Root Ball

Once the bush feels loosened from digging around it, try extracting the entire bush and root ball from the ground. Consider these removal options based on your specific situation:

Using a Winch or Vehicle

For large mature bushes, use a truck or tractor with a chain or strap to pull out the loosened bush and roots. Make sure no major roots are still anchoring it before pulling.

Manual Extraction

For smaller bushes, manually pull or rock the bush back and forth while applying upward pressure to slowly lift and pop the root ball out. You may need multiple people pulling together for larger root balls.

Cutting the Taproot

If the root ball still won’t emerge, the main taproot is likely still anchoring the bush down. Use a saw or ax to vertically chop this main thick root to finally sever it.

Removing Remaining Roots

After extracting the bush and main root ball, there will still be a network of smaller roots left in the ground. These need to be removed to prevent regrowth. Options for removing the remaining roots include:

• Use a pickax or shovel to dig down and chop out individual root segments.
• For small root pieces near the surface, a thick garden rake can help scrape and gather remains.
• Rent a stump grinder to chew up remnants and grind them away.
• In rural settings, rent a brush hog attached to a tractor to grind up roots left in the area.

Make sure to dig down at least 18 inches when removing remaining roots. Check the area several weeks after removal for any new sprouts emerging from roots and remove them immediately before they become established.

Filling the Hole

Once the bush and all significant roots have been removed, you’ll be left with a large hole. Here are some tips for back-filling it:

• Loosen compacted soil at the base before filing.
• Partially fill the hole and tamp down firmly, then repeat until full.
• Water thoroughly after filling to settle the soil.
• Consider amending native soil with compost or topsoil when filling.
• Level the filled hole with surrounding soil.

The hole will settle over time, so you may need to add more backfill periodically.

Dealing with Large Stumps

If you are unable to extract the entire root ball and stump, here are some options for removing just the stump:

Grinding

Use a commercial stump grinding service to chew up the visible stump until nothing remains visible above ground level. The roots will still remain underground to decompose over time.

Burning

Burn the stump by drilling holes in the top and using potassium nitrate to accelerate decomposition. Follow local ordinances when attempting a controlled burn.

Chemical Removal

Apply specific chemical stump remover products to accelerate the breakdown process. Follow product guidelines carefully.

Digging

As a last resort for a particularly stubborn stump, resume digging around it with a pickax or shovel to fully expose and cut away all of the anchoring roots.

Preventing Regrowth

To prevent unwanted regrowth or suckering from any remnants of the root system left behind, here are some tips:

• Stay vigilant in monitoring the area for new shoots for several growing seasons and promptly remove them.
• Plant flowers or other desirable vegetation around the perimeter to fill in the area making it harder for shoots to emerge.
• Cover the ground with a mulch layer 4-6 inches deep to prevent sprouts from reaching sunlight.
• Place a physical barrier like landscape fabric or pond liner over the area, covered by mulch or soil.
• Apply concentrated herbicide to freshly cut surfaces of roots when removing them to prevent regrowth.

Tips for Easier Removal

Here are some additional tips to make removing bushes with deep roots easier:

• Water the root zone thoroughly 1-2 weeks before removal to loosen soil.
• Remove when soil is moist but not overly wet and avoid removing after heavy rains.
• Prune away the bush canopy before removing roots to provide better access.
• Use loppers, pruning saws and axes designed for the toughness of shrub branches and roots.
• Wear safety equipment like goggles, gloves, and steel-toed boots when chopping roots.
• Have help for larger bushes – it’s a difficult job for one person alone.

When to Call for Help

Some situations when you may want to call in a professional for assistance include:

• Extremely large mature bushes with taproots over 2 feet across.
• Multi-trunk shrubs with a tangled, spreading root system.
• Inaccessible locations on steep slopes or close to structures.
• Stump removal for very large diameter stumps.
• If you encounter large rocks or roots larger than your tools can handle.

Removing bushes with deep stubborn roots often requires determination and persistence. But with the proper tools and techniques like those outlined here, you can eliminate unwanted deep-rooted bushes permanently.

Conclusion

Removing a bush with an extensive root system can certainly be a challenge, but is definitely doable with some effort and the right approach. The keys are taking time to properly expose the roots, having the necessary tools to cut through them, and extracting the root ball intact when possible. Persistence is critical – going slow and steady, repeating the digging process until the bush is loosened. Enlist help for larger bushes or call in a professional for extremely large root balls that require more specialized equipment. With patience and diligence, even the most deeply rooted bushes can be permanently removed.