How to Remove Large Shrubs

Shrubs that grow too large may need to be removed.

Shrubs gone wild sounds like a pay-per-view special or a documentary on a wildlife network, but if a shrub is not carefully pruned it can grow to the point that it is unmanageable. Shrubs that have grown too large can be gradually pruned back, but many home owners would prefer to remove the shrub and replace it with something smaller that grows less vigorously. Removing large shrubs involves a process similar to that of removing trees.

Things You'll Need

• Stem calipers
• Measuring tape
• Branch loppers
• Hand saw
• Hatchet
• Axe
• Chain saw
• Herbicide spray containing glyphosate
• Grub hoe
• Mattock

Instructions

1. Examine the stem of a large shrub to determine the size. You may measure the stem’s diameter with a pair of stem calipers or use a tape measure to determine the circumference. Multiply the circumference by itself and then multiply that figure by Pi, which is 3.1416, to determine the diameter. Shrubs with stems that are smaller than 1 1/2 inches in diameter may be cut using branch loppers. You can saw down shrubs smaller than 6 inches using a hand saw. For shrubs larger than 6 inches, use a hatchet, axe or chain saw.

2. Pinch through the stem of a small shrub by positioning branch loppers around the stem and pulling the handles together to sever it.

3. Saw down a larger stem with two cuts. Make the first cut extend one-third of the way through the stem. The second cut should start on the other side and extend two-thirds of the way through the stem to meet the first cut. This will prevent binding the blade.

4. Kill the roots of the shrub to prevent the shrub from suckering, which is a process in which the shrub’s roots produce new sprouts to survive. Spray a systemic herbicide containing glyphosate over the stump of the shrub. The stump will pull the poison down into the roots of the shrub to kill it.

5. Remove the dead stump by digging it out with a mattock, grub hoe, shovel and branch loppers. This process, known as grubbing, is the fastest way to remove the stump. Dig a trench around the dead stump that is 2 feet wide by 2 feet deep. Cut all the roots you encounter with a mattock or a pair of branch loppers.

6. Push the stump over on its side to expose any roots beneath the stump. Clip these roots in half to sever the stump. Pull the stump from the ground and fill in the hole with dirt.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear protective clothing—including protective gloves, long sleeves and long pants, close-toed shoes and breathing protection—when using systemic herbicide that contains glyphosate. Shower immediately after using a systemic herbicide.

References

• University of Missouri Extension: Felling, Bucking and Limbing Trees
• Louisiana State University Extension: Stump Removal from Home Grounds
• Alabama Cooperative Extension Service: Stump Removal for Homeowners

Resources

• Oregon State University Extension: Safe, Effective Use of Chain Saws for Woodland Owners