How to Remove Dead Shrubs

Sometimes the battle is lost and you will need to remove a fallen soldier from the line. The larger the plant, the closer you will need to follow these simple guidelines.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• automobile or come-along
• hose
• nylon rope
• chain or webbing strap

1. Check for viability. It would be a shame to pull a plant that can be saved. Scratch the bark; if there is green just below the surface, the plant is still alive. If it is brown, it's time to go to work.

2. Place a hose at the base of the dead plant. Allow the water to run slowly for several hours or as long as overnight (in the case of large shrubs such as pyracantha). Soaking the soil thoroughly is the secret to removing the entire root system effortlessly.

3. Loop a length of chain or heavy webbing strap around the base of the dead plant. Get as close to the base of the trunk as possible.

4. Tie a bowline knot to attach the chain or webbing strap to a long length of nylon rope. The rope should be at least 1/2 inch in diameter.

5. Attach the nylon rope to the towing ring on a car. Tie another bowline knot so that you will be able to untie the knot after the plant has been pulled free of the soil. Any other kind of knot will be impossible to untie!

6. Start the car and pull forward slowly until the slack has been removed from the line.

7. Caution all by-standers to move away from the scene. If the line should break, injuries could result.

8. Pull forward slowly. The roots will pull easily from the wet soil - even the heaviest clay. Slow is the operating word here; take your time and let the forward motion of the car take the load.

9. Chip and compost the dead shrub after it has been pulled from the ground. Attempt to determine the cause of the death.

Tips & Warnings

• Over-watering is the most common cause of plant death. Always check the surface of the soil before watering.
• If you can't get a car into the area, use a come-along. A come-along is a tool used to stretch wire fencing. It can be attached to a permanent ground source such as a large tree or concrete pillar.
• Do not allow children to be involved in this process. It's too hard to keep an eye on them and get the job done at the same time.

[HoneysuckleMan]

on 12/8/2008 It would be easier to use the Honeysuckle Popper. Its made specifically to remove shrubs and bushes. Works great.

[jimdris]

on 12/15/2006 I have successfully broken shrubs loose from the ground by using a heavy chain and padlock wrapped around it tightly, and a rolling auto floor jack, catching under the edge of the padlock after some digging. 2-or 3 tons of lifting power does the job without strain or injury!