Arborvitae (Thuja) is a popular evergreen used for privacy screens and hedges due to its dense, fast-growing foliage. When these plants become overgrown, damaged, or need relocation, their removal is a significant undertaking. The process is labor-intensive, especially for mature plants, requiring careful planning to manage both the above-ground mass and the extensive root system.
Essential Preparation and Safety Measures
Before cutting, assess the arborvitae’s size to determine the appropriate tools and methods. Clear the immediate work area of obstructions, such as furniture, to ensure a safe zone for falling debris and equipment operation. Initial planning must include contacting the national 811 “Call Before You Dig” service to mark any underground utility lines before any digging or grinding near the stump.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is non-negotiable for this project, particularly when operating power tools. This gear includes safety glasses to protect against flying wood chips, hearing protection for chainsaw use, and sturdy work gloves. For larger removals, additional items like steel-toed boots, protective chaps, and a hard hat with a face shield should be used. Necessary tools typically include a chainsaw or reciprocating saw, heavy-duty loppers for branches, a sharp shovel, and potentially a sturdy rope or winch for controlling the fall of larger trunks.
Cutting Down the Main Structure
Remove the main structure of the arborvitae from the top downward to manage the dense foliage volume. For smaller shrubs, heavy-duty loppers or a pruning saw are sufficient to clip the branches. Larger, mature specimens require a chainsaw, starting with the upper branches and working down to the main trunk in manageable sections.
Cut branches as close to the main trunk as possible to reduce debris size and clear the way for felling the central column. Once the foliage is removed, cut the remaining trunk down to a low stump, ideally no more than six inches above the soil line. If the tree is substantial, make a directional notch cut facing the desired direction of fall, followed by a felling cut on the opposite side to safely drop the remaining wood.
Eliminating the Stump and Root System
The stump and its shallow, spreading root system present the most difficult phase of the removal, as arborvitae roots can extend several feet from the trunk. The choice between mechanical removal and chemical decomposition depends on the stump’s size and how quickly the space needs to be repurposed. Arborvitae wood is resistant to rapid decay, meaning simply leaving the stump to rot can take many years.
Mechanical Removal
Mechanical removal begins by digging a trench around the stump’s base to expose the lateral roots. Arborvitae roots are numerous and dense close to the trunk. Sever these exposed roots with an axe or a reciprocating saw equipped with a wood-cutting blade, avoiding contact with dirt which dulls blades quickly. For smaller stumps, cut enough roots to allow the stump to be pried out using a pry bar or the remaining trunk as leverage.
For large arborvitae, a stump grinder is the most efficient mechanical solution, turning the stump into wood chips several inches below grade. Rental units are available, but safe operation requires wearing full PPE, including chaps and a face shield. Grinding reduces the stump and the collar of the main roots, eliminating the bulk of the underground wood.
Accelerated Decomposition
Accelerated decomposition is a slower, lower-effort alternative suitable if immediate use of the space is not needed. Drill multiple deep holes (10 inches deep and 1 inch in diameter) into the top and sides of the stump. Commercial stump removers, often containing potassium nitrate, are poured into these holes to accelerate natural decay by breaking down wood fibers. This method takes several weeks to months until the stump is spongy enough to be manually broken apart. Alternatively, nitrogen-rich materials like compost or Epsom salt can be packed into the holes and kept moist, though this process can take six to twelve months.
Debris Disposal and Site Restoration
Arborvitae removal generates a large volume of woody debris that must be addressed responsibly. The dense foliage and branches can be chipped on-site for use as mulch, or bundled for local yard waste collection services. Many municipalities offer seasonal curbside pickup for organic waste, which is then composted or recycled.
Wood chips from stump grinding can be left to decompose in the hole or removed for use as mulch elsewhere. Keep fresh chips away from garden beds due to potential acidity issues. Once the stump and major roots are removed, fill the resulting void to prevent settling and trip hazards. Fill the hole with a mixture of quality topsoil and organic matter, such as finished compost. The filled area should be slightly mounded to account for inevitable settling, after which the cleared space is ready for replanting or lawn repair.