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How To Remove Shrubs From Your Garden In 4 Easy Steps

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Removing Shrubs

Do you like spending time in your garden? Would you like to spend it soaking in the sun or trying to pull out shrubs? There were some shrubs in my garden which were growing fast and looking like an eyesore.

I decided to remove these shrubs, took out my tools, and worked on them. After almost 2 hours, I had just about managed to remove one shrub partially, cut my finger, and had a severe muscle pull.

Obviously, it was not going as I wished! Of course, I could pay someone to do it, but I didn’t want to spend money on this.

A neighbor who watched me struggle came over to help and explained how to remove shrubs more efficiently. With his help, I soon had all the shrubs out.

How To Remove Shrubs

Why Remove Shrubs?

This is the first question you need to ask. Why do you want to remove the shrubs? They have a place in the garden and only when it is unavoidable that you should take a step like this.

Here are some reasons why you should think of removing shrubs:

Promote the growth of other plants

When a shrub overgrows, it stops other plants around it from growing. Even the grass growing around the shrub may turn dry and die. The shrubs can hinder the sunlight from reaching the plants which are growing adjacent or underneath them.

Prevent Accidents

Apart from severe weather conditions, which can cause the shrubs to shed leaves, branches, and other debris, shrubs can pose risks in different ways too.

Some shrubs can have deep and widespread roots that people can trip over. In small yards, shrubs can make movement difficult.

Save money

It is better to remove the shrubs at the right time. If you let them grow unchecked, you may have to hire a professional to remove them. This will cost you more money, and you may not even be happy with the result.

Aesthetic appeal

One of the most common reasons people need to remove shrubs is to make the garden more aesthetic. By removing shrubs, you will also get more space to plant other flowers or plants.

How to Remove Shrubs From Your Yard?

Once you have made up your mind about removing the shrubs, then comes the next step. How do you go about it? This will mainly depend on

  • Size of the shrub
  • How deep are the roots?
  • How strong are you?
  • Do you have others to help you, or are you on your own?
  • How much money do you want to spend?

So, if you have decided to go ahead and do it on your own, here are a few things to keep in mind. Watch this video to learn more.

Things You Will Need​

  • Pointed garden shovel
  • Garden trowel
  • Pruners
  • Shears
  • Handsaw
  • Sturdy gardening gloves
How To Remove Shrubs Fiskars 91095935J Steel Pruning Shears Bypass Pruner
Fiskars 91095935J Steel Pruning Shears Bypass Pruner – via Amazon.com

Choose The Materials And Time Carefully

All the tools you use should be of good quality. Use sharp saws and shears because blunt tools can be dangerous. Paying attention to the time of the day and year are also important.

You don’t want to work with the sun beating down on your back. If you have nests in the shrubs, then you must select a time of the year when you know birds have not laid any eggs or have young ones.

Clear The Area

Once you have the right tools and are ready to start, you must ensure no people or pets in the area around the bush. If you are using electric tools, make sure the wire is unspooled properly and will not get tugged before starting the workwear, protective glasses, gloves, boots, etc.

The Process to Remove Shrubs

Now, you are all set, and you have everything you need to remove the shrubs. You can now start with the actual work. Follow these steps to get the best results

1. Start by Cutting the Branches

Use a saw or shear to cut the branches of the shrub. Don’t make the mistake of going for the base of the plant straight away. It is always better to start from the outer layers and work your way in.

Continue cutting all the branches, and soon you will have a much better grasp of the process. Keep stuffing the cut branches in garbage bags or put them in a pile nearby.

2. Cut the Roots

With the help of your garden shovel, start digging up the soil around the shrub or whatever is left of its stump. By digging all around, you will be able to expose the roots of the plant.

Now, with the trowel, remove as much soil as possible from the roots. Once the roots are visible to you clearly, you can either use a handsaw or an electric one to slice through them, depending on their thickness. You will need to do this all around the shrub.

3. Remove the Stump

Now comes the last bit. You need to remove the stump. Dig the shovel underneath the stump and push the shovel to gain some leverage. Slowly but surely, you will be able to get the stump out.

If you can get someone to help you at this point, it will be great. They can grab the stump and pull it while you dig it out. Once you have got it out, fill the hole with soil.

4. Dispose of The Shrub

Check the rules regarding such waste in your community. You can try composting smaller parts. Ensure that you get all or most roots so that there is no chance of the shrub regrowth.


Conclusion

That is it as far as instructions for removing shrubs are concerned. Shrubs can look pretty when located in the right place and looked after well.

However, when they become an eyesore or cause problems, it is better to remove them. You will need to exert a bit physically, but with the right tools, you can manage it. Take all precautions and use the best quality tools to get the desired results.

If you find the information useful, feel free to share it with others. If you have any queries or need more help, contact us, and we will be happy to be of assistance to you. Don’t let a shrub spoil your garden, remove it to enjoy your garden fully.