Juniper bushes are popular landscaping plants due to their hardiness and evergreen nature, but they often require removal when they become overgrown, diseased, or interfere with structures. The process of removing a juniper is notably more challenging than with many other shrubs because of its dense, woody structure and complex root system. A successful removal requires a systematic approach that addresses both the above-ground canopy and the root mass below the soil line. This task is physically demanding, so understanding the plant’s structure and utilizing the correct mechanical advantage is paramount for a complete and permanent extraction.
Understanding Juniper Root Systems
The difficulty in removing a juniper stems directly from the architecture of its root system, which is adapted for stability and water acquisition in varied environments. Most junipers develop a dense, shallow, and extensive network of fibrous lateral roots that spread widely just below the surface, often forming a thick, stubborn mat or root ball. This mat anchors the plant firmly in the ground, making it resistant to simple pulling or rocking motions.
Older or larger specimens, particularly those that have grown into tree-like forms, can also develop a deep taproot extending vertically into the soil. This combination of a broad, shallow fibrous mat and a potentially deep central taproot means the root system resists both lateral and vertical forces. The sheer mass and woody nature of this underground structure necessitate severing these connections before any lifting can occur.
Essential Tools and Safety Preparation
Proper preparation begins with gathering the necessary equipment to handle the dense wood and tough roots of the juniper. You will need heavy-duty gloves and safety glasses to protect against the plant’s rigid needles and flying debris.
Essential tools include:
- A sharp, long-handled shovel for digging.
- A pruning saw or reciprocating saw for cutting thick roots.
- Loppers for removing the smaller, upper branches.
- A chainsaw or robust handsaw for cutting larger trunks low to the ground.
- A grub hoe or mattock, useful for breaking through packed soil and severing thick roots.
Before breaking ground, always contact local utility services to mark any underground lines. Ensure your work area is clear of obstacles and that you are using proper lifting techniques to protect your back during the physically demanding extraction phase.
Step-by-Step Physical Extraction
The removal process begins by significantly reducing the juniper’s canopy to expose the trunk and allow access to the base. Use loppers to cut away the smaller outer branches, working your way inward until only the main trunk and the largest structural branches remain. This step eliminates the bulk of the foliage, making the root ball more manageable and providing a clear workspace for digging.
Once the main structure is reduced, use the shovel to dig a circular trench around the perimeter of the root ball, extending outward by about 12 to 18 inches for a mature specimen. This trench should be deep enough to expose the thick, lateral feeder roots that run horizontally. Systematically use the pruning saw, reciprocating saw, or the chopping end of the grub hoe to sever these exposed roots as cleanly as possible.
Continue to deepen the trench and work underneath the root ball, using the shovel to pry and the mattock to chop any roots running beneath the main mass. The goal is to isolate the root ball from the surrounding soil and sever all its main anchor points. After cutting several roots, apply upward pressure to the remaining trunk or root ball to check for movement, often called the “wiggle test.”
If the root ball begins to move, focus your efforts on the side that shows the least resistance, using a pry bar or the shovel handle as a lever to rock the mass. For the final removal, cut the main trunk as low as possible to maximize leverage on the remaining stump. Keep rocking and cutting the last remaining central roots, including any taproot, until the entire woody mass can be lifted free from the ground.
Eliminating Remaining Roots and Preventing Regrowth
After the main root ball is extracted, the area will contain numerous smaller, residual roots and potentially a portion of the main stump if it could not be fully removed. Junipers are known to sometimes resprout from any living root fragments left in the soil, so addressing these remnants is necessary to prevent future growth. Smaller roots can be removed by hand or by sifting through the loosened soil to pull them out.
If a significant part of the stump remains, mechanical grinding is an effective option, which uses a specialized machine to shred the wood down several inches below the soil line. Alternatively, a targeted chemical treatment can be applied to the remaining stump to ensure the roots die completely. This involves drilling several downward-sloping holes into the top surface of the stump and immediately applying a concentrated herbicide, often containing glyphosate, directly into these fresh cuts. This method transmits the chemical directly to the remaining root structure, minimizing the impact on surrounding plants. The woody juniper debris should be disposed of according to local waste management guidelines, as it is generally not suitable for typical home composting.