Evergreen bushes are valued for their year-round foliage, but they occasionally require removal. Homeowners often remove these plants when they become diseased, die, or grow significantly beyond their intended size, overwhelming the space or blocking light. Other common reasons include foundation issues, where roots may pose a risk, or a complete garden redesign. Removing an entire evergreen, including its extensive root system, is a physically demanding project that requires careful preparation and a systematic approach.
Essential Preparation and Safety Measures
Preparing the area and gathering the correct equipment is necessary for efficiency and safety. The task requires heavy-duty tools such as bypass loppers for smaller branches, a reciprocating saw or chainsaw for thicker trunks, and a sharp digging shovel. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is equally important, including thick leather gloves, safety glasses to shield the eyes from debris, and sturdy work boots.
A mandatory step before breaking ground is to identify and mark the location of any underground utilities. In the United States, calling 811 a few days before starting the project will initiate a free service to mark buried lines for gas, water, and electricity, preventing accidental damage. Soaking the soil around the base of the evergreen a day prior to removal can significantly soften the earth, making the subsequent digging and root cutting less strenuous.
Step-by-Step Physical Removal Techniques
Manual removal begins by reducing the plant’s canopy to access the root crown. Use loppers and a saw to remove all branches and foliage, cutting the main trunks down to a manageable stump about a foot or two above the soil line. This reduction provides a clear working area and eliminates the plant’s leverage during extraction.
Next, dig a trench in a circle around the base of the remaining stump to expose the root ball. Depending on the evergreen’s size, the trench should have a radius of 12 to 24 inches and a depth of 12 to 18 inches. The goal is to locate the root crown—the point where the trunk meets the roots—and expose the major lateral roots extending outward.
With the roots exposed, begin severing them using a sharp spade, a mattock, or a specialized root saw. Cut through the thickest roots radiating from the crown, working your way around the perimeter. For stubborn roots, rocking the stump back and forth can help reveal anchor points. Once major roots are cut, use the remaining stump as leverage to rock the root ball, breaking the soil’s suction and allowing you to lift the mass out.
Addressing Large or Stubborn Root Systems
When dealing with large, mature evergreens, manual techniques may be insufficient due to the size and depth of the root system. Homeowners have two solutions for these remains: chemical decomposition or mechanical grinding. Chemical stump remover products typically contain potassium nitrate, a nitrogen-rich compound that accelerates natural decay by feeding wood-rotting fungi and microbes.
To apply a chemical solution, drill several holes 8 to 12 inches deep into the stump and fill them with the product and water. This cost-effective method requires minimal labor but is gradual, taking six months to a year or more for the stump to decay. Applying a high-nitrogen fertilizer, compost, or manure to the drilled holes can achieve a similar, slower effect through natural biological action.
Mechanical stump grinding offers an immediate and complete solution, which is necessary if the area needs to be replanted right away. A stump grinder uses a high-speed rotating cutter wheel to chip away the stump and the upper root system, typically grinding them 6 to 18 inches below the soil line. While this requires renting specialized equipment or hiring a professional, it eliminates the stump completely, leaving behind wood chips that can be used as mulch.
Site Remediation and Debris Management
After removing the evergreen and its roots, the resulting crater must be remediated to prepare the soil for its next use. Fill the large hole left by the root ball with a mixture of native soil and nutrient-rich organic matter, such as compost. This prevents future settling and improves soil health. Tamp the new soil down firmly in layers to eliminate air pockets, ensuring a stable foundation for new plantings or turf.
If the evergreen was removed due to disease, test the soil’s pH and nutrient levels before introducing new vegetation. Amending the soil with fresh topsoil and compost helps rejuvenate the area and provides a healthy environment. Monitor the site for several weeks for any new shoots, which indicate a root fragment was left behind and may require spot treatment with an herbicide to prevent regrowth.
The large volume of woody debris generated requires careful management for disposal. Smaller branches and foliage can be chipped for mulch or added to a home compost pile. For larger stumps, trunks, and extensive root masses, consult local municipal yard waste programs or consider renting a temporary dumpster or hiring a haul-away service.