Removing a dead bush and its root system is often necessary to improve the appearance of a landscape, prevent the spread of residual plant diseases, or prepare the ground for new plantings. While simply cutting down the visible portion of the bush is straightforward, eliminating the underground root crown and main roots requires a systematic approach. A thorough removal ensures that the space is completely clear and ready for the next landscaping project, preventing regrowth from the remaining root material.
Preparing the Bush and Gathering Tools
Before beginning any physical removal, safety must be the primary consideration, necessitating the use of protective gear. Heavy-duty gloves and safety glasses are essential to guard against sharp branches and flying debris during the cutting and digging phases. Assessing the size and root structure of the dead bush helps determine the appropriate level of effort and the tools required for the job.
The necessary equipment includes robust cutting tools like bypass loppers for smaller branches and a pruning saw or reciprocating saw for thicker stems and roots. For the underground work, a sharp spade shovel is needed to dig the trench, and a grub hoe or mattock is invaluable for breaking up compacted soil and chopping through stubborn roots. Having a heavy-duty tarp nearby streamlines the cleanup process.
Cutting Back the Foliage and Main Stems
The first step in effective dead bush removal is to reduce the bulk of the above-ground material, which provides better access to the root crown. Using loppers or a pruning saw, begin cutting the smaller, outer branches, working your way inward toward the main stems. This approach systematically reduces the size of the bush, making the work manageable and exposing the central trunk.
Cut the branches as close to the main stem as possible to ensure that only the primary woody structure remains. The goal is to leave a short, sturdy stump, approximately six to twelve inches high. This remaining stump provides a natural handle or point of leverage when physically rocking and prying the root ball out of the ground.
Methods for Removing the Root Ball
With the foliage removed and a stump remaining, the focus shifts to the underground root system, which can be addressed through physical or chemical means.
Physical Removal
For immediate and complete clearance, physical removal is the most direct solution, beginning with trenching around the base of the bush. Use the shovel to dig a circular trench around the root ball, extending outward by about one foot and digging deep enough to expose the main lateral roots.
The mattock or grub hoe is then used to lever the soil away from the exposed roots and to chop through the smaller feeder roots that anchor the bush. Once the soil is loosened and the lateral roots are severed, use the remaining stump to rock the root ball back and forth, breaking the suction of the soil. Any major roots that resist this rocking motion, including the central taproot if one is present, must be cleanly cut with the pruning saw or reciprocating saw to free the ball entirely.
Chemical Treatment
Alternatively, if immediate removal is not necessary, chemical treatment offers a less physically demanding method to eliminate the root system. This approach involves drilling multiple deep holes, typically one inch in diameter, into the remaining stump and any exposed surface roots.
A specialized stump remover product, often containing potassium nitrate, can be poured into these holes to accelerate the natural decay process by boosting microbial activity. Another chemical option involves applying a concentrated herbicide containing glyphosate directly into the freshly drilled holes or onto the fresh cuts of the root system. While this kills the remaining plant material and prevents regrowth, it requires patience, as the root ball may take several months to a year to decompose enough to be manually broken up and removed. Careful application is necessary to prevent the product from contacting and harming surrounding desirable plants.
Final Steps and Site Restoration
Once the root ball is successfully removed, a large void will remain in the soil, which must be addressed to prevent future settling or depressions in the landscape. The resulting hole should be immediately filled with a mixture of the original topsoil and fresh organic material, such as compost, to ensure good drainage and nutrient content. Tamp the soil down firmly as the hole is filled, adding water periodically to help settle the material and eliminate air pockets that could lead to sinking later.
The debris from the dead bush, including the branches and the root ball, must be properly disposed of according to local regulations. Small branches can often be chipped for use as mulch or bundled for municipal yard waste collection. Larger root balls and stumps may need to be hauled to a composting facility or a designated green waste site. Once the area is level and the debris is cleared, the site is prepared for replanting or for the restoration of turf.