Permanently removing a hedge requires eliminating the visible woody structure and ensuring the complete death of the underground root system. Hedges are resilient; simply cutting the top growth prompts aggressive regrowth, known as suckering, from the remaining stump and roots. Therefore, the process must focus on translocating a killing agent throughout the plant’s vascular system or physically removing the entire root ball to prevent future sprouting.
Preparation and Initial Steps
Proper preparation is necessary to ensure safety and maximize the effectiveness of the chosen removal method. The initial step involves reducing the hedge’s height to a manageable stump, typically 6 to 12 inches above the soil line. This height allows for easier access for chemical treatments or provides leverage for physical removal methods.
Use chainsaws or loppers to clear the dense foliage and branches, reducing the volume of material to handle later. Clear the ground around the remaining stump base to expose the root flare and surrounding soil. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including heavy-duty gloves, safety glasses, and sturdy footwear, especially when operating cutting tools or handling chemicals. Check local ordinances before starting, as some areas regulate the removal of established hedges or the use of specific herbicides.
Chemical Eradication Methods
Chemical methods are employed to kill the entire root system in place, saving the physical labor of digging out the root ball. This approach relies on systemic herbicides, such as stump killers, which are translocated from the application point down to the roots. Products containing glyphosate or triclopyr are frequently used because they move through the phloem to disrupt the plant’s metabolic processes.
Late summer or fall is the preferred time for application because the hedge is actively moving nutrients down to the roots for winter storage. The herbicide should be applied immediately to the freshly cut stump surface, ideally within minutes of cutting, before the plant seals the wound. For larger stumps, drilling a series of downward-angled holes (about 1 inch in diameter and 6 inches deep) around the perimeter and pouring undiluted herbicide into them enhances penetration. The living tissue, or sapwood (the lighter ring of wood just inside the bark), must be thoroughly treated to ensure the chemical reaches the root system effectively.
Physical Removal Techniques
Physical extraction of the stump and roots is the alternative for those preferring a non-chemical approach or needing immediate removal. Manual removal is possible for smaller, younger hedges and involves digging a trench around the stump to expose the main lateral roots. Tools like a sharp spade, mattock, and a reciprocating saw are used to sever the major roots surrounding the root ball.
Once the major roots are cut, a pry bar or sturdy lever can rock the stump and lift the entire root ball from the ground. For larger, older hedges with extensive root systems, mechanical removal is a more realistic option, typically involving a stump grinder. A stump grinder uses a rotating cutting wheel to chip away the wood, grinding the stump down 6 to 12 inches below the soil line. Grinding eliminates the visible stump and the main crown of the root system, allowing the remaining underground roots to decompose naturally over time.
Managing Regrowth and Disposal
Even after the main stump is removed or chemically treated, many hedge species possess enough stored energy to attempt regrowth. Monitoring the area for new shoots sprouting from remaining lateral roots is necessary for several months following the initial removal. Any new growth should be immediately cut back and treated with a spot application of a systemic herbicide to exhaust the root system’s reserves.
The woody debris must be properly managed, as large volumes of branches and roots can quickly accumulate. Smaller branches can be chipped for mulch or composted, provided the hedge was not diseased. For larger trunks and roots, check with local waste management services for guidelines on handling yard waste. Filling the hole left by a physically removed root ball with clean topsoil restores the area, prevents settling, and prepares the ground for future landscaping.