How to Remove Serviceberry Bushes
The serviceberry bush is often cultivated for its small blueberry-like fruit. But the serviceberry can soon outgrow its welcome. If left to its own devices, the serviceberry bush can grow to over 20 feet in height. And because it easily self sows, you can soon end up with more of these giant bushes than you planned on. Even an overgrown serviceberry bush is relatively easy to remove with a little effort. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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1
Cut down the serviceberry's many, small trunks with a pruning saw or ax.
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2
Cut the trunks down further, to within a few inches of ground. Paint the cut surface of each trunk with a small paintbrush dipped in a glyphosate or any other systemic herbicide. Paint immediately after making the cut, within 30 seconds.
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3
Cut any serviceberry suckers down to ground level with a pair of pruning shears. Paint the cut surface with herbicide, again, within 30 seconds of making the cut.
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4
Monitor the serviceberry stump over the next two weeks. Paint or spray any suckers with the systemic herbicide as soon as you spot them.
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5
Dig up the serviceberry's root ball if desired. Start digging up the roots on the exterior of a circle slightly larger than the serviceberry's former dripline. Once you expose most of the root ball, use the shovel's blade as a lever to lift the root ball out of the hole. Remove the tree from the area and compost or discard it.
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