How to Remove Old Established Shrubs (Digging Out Well Anchored Plants)

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This video is a detailed description of how to remove old established shrubs. In this video I dig out a twenty year old Holly from the ground. This is the first step in a series of landscape jobs I am going to be doing at my house. Using good techniques, it is not terribly hard to remove old plants.
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[@greenthumbelina7331]

Jim, I really enjoyed this video... mostly because of the memory it brought back. When my husband & I were newly weds and bought our current home there were huge old junipers used as foundation plants which we decided to remove. Well after we had removed all of the limbs from the first juniper by hand... we then chopped, dug, chopped and dug some more with ax, shovel and pick-ax to a depth of about 3 ft into the ground (on 3 sides). Well the stupid thing still wouldn't budge so my sweetheart (in his infinite wisdom) decided to hook up his little Ford Ranger pickup to the stump with a log chain. Needless to say, every time he gunned the ranger and reached the end of the chain ...our little pickup would spring back toward the house like it was on a bungee cord. By this time I was laughing uncontrollably, all we had managed to do was tear the crap out of our lawn but the stump hadn't budged at all. When I finally stopped laughing I suggested that we deep soak the root-ball for a while and then try again. After what seemed like an eternity we finally managed to 'pull' that stump out ...and we were both splattered from head to toe with mud! Then came the water fight!!!! Thank you for reminding me of that nearly 50 year old memory!

[@JimPutnam]

A lot of memories are made unexpectedly like that for sure. Thanks for watching and commenting. Great story.

[@simpleshoes]

That’s a fun story! This summer I dug around some old junipers and undercut all the roots, and I used my own Ford Ranger and a tow rope to pull them up out of the hole. Handy little trucks!

[@charlesking678]

That's an awesome story!

[@derbygirle]

Such a great memory. Thx for sharing this story!

[@STORMSC0UT]

So cute, and great story. I hope I can make memories like that one day!

[@EvoEquix]

My Dad always yelled at me as a kid while he was teaching me to do things like this so I never learned. Thank You so much for these videos they helped a lot.

[@bobbarker2726]

he yelled at you for being an idiot the comment proves it just watch the video and shut up

[@jasperbillie3294]

My dad only did the monkey see, monkey do method so I got to see a demo, then had to figure everything else out; no explanations on anything 😂

[@SeanD808]

You need to use a farm jack....

[@blake_229]

That was basically my childhood. Dad being mad as hell and taking it out on his sons. KZbin is a great asset to learn from.

[@soundpilatesandyoga8531]

Same. But now that I'm an adult with my own children...I can't deny I kinda get it now.

[@nikolotolentino]

The landscaper charging me 800 to remove plants. I went to Home Depot bought tools to remove plants spent $100 and did it my self. Now I have extra 700 :D

[@nicolesmith64]

$2400 for me....just to remove them.

[@Luckingsworth]

On the same token, you also learned why he was going to charge $800 to do the job!

[@Dan-ef4jz]

Aniece Smith that is one giant ripoff

[@ljones98391]

@@nicolesmith64 😬😳😩

[@joejacomo6232]

And the workout you got from digging those damn shrubs...priceless!!! But can’t get mad at them for charging $800, I know it took me 1.5 hours to pull out each root (had 6 total) because they grow about 1/4 or bigger equal underground to the size of the bush or shrub. So when I pulled out the root it was about 40 lbs of thick and solid wood that no way in hell was coming out with a little weed killer (like suggested) and my elderly parents had no chance in putting the labor and muscle it took todo this. They wanted to pay $3000 for the job to all get done, I told them don’t dare pay for something I can do myself...well videos coming out soon, job was well done and all I charged was the price of tools needed(and wanted) to do the job. Milwaukee rocket fuel lamp light was nice to have for the night work, Makita reciprocating saw, pressure washer for after cleaning...you get it.

[@F1ow3rChildB]

I'm a 26 y/o 110 lbs 5’1” female so what he says is true! Don't pay outrageous amount to do this!!! I Just pulled out the 1st of 4 shrubs that are about that same size using this procedure and tool suggestion and it made fairly quick work of it!!! thanks!!!

[@Briardie]

Thank you. I am 62 year old widow, 5 ' if that. I have no option to do this on my own, so even if it takes me a few days, I am going to have a go.

[@JimPutnam]

This video is intended for someone who doesn't have access to the fifty different pieces of equipment that can be used to do this. I have landscaped or farmed my whole life. Sometimes, because of finances, or the plant breaks off to the ground, or the location of the plant you have to get your hands dirty.

[@tinygreenpea]

Well that's just exactly what I came here looking for :)

[@IMBIue]

Did you had to call before you dig, or do you think that wasn't necessary for these shrubs? I'm thinking of planting some type of plants around the house and I have been wondering whether I should really call 811, or not. Anyways, thanks for the video, I wasn't really planning of removing shrubs but now I learned something.

[@mikemike8461]

Is this your own personal or did someone pay you to do this ? I’m asking because I’ve got to do about eight of these and I’m wondering how much to charge the guy

[@moniquemonicat]

Basically, all a person needs is a hose and a shovel. I'm not strong at all and used the hose to wet each dig until the shovel was completely under the root ball. It got muddy as heck but all rinsed off when I was done. The longest part was waiting for the soil to get flooded then I'd wait till it dried a bit then do it again and used the hose on while I was digging the shovel under deeper until it was below the root ball. Basically you turn the soil the root ball is located into water and the roots have nothing to grab onto or hold them.

[@dmehrshahi]

Very helpful video. I have a 12 years old Hydrangea bush (80 cm tall now with heavy roots). I found this grown just over a gas pipe (!) only 40 cm deep down! How I can remove this one safely and without damaging the gas pipe. can I remove by myself. many thanks

[@rosgembrun]

Very easily removed 4 very old, gnarly sage shrubs with my handy reciprocating saw .Stuck the blade into the ground and circled each plant, cutting through the roots, and pulled out the stumps. Fast. Easy.

[@MrBoomdiada]

This gave me a great idea. I did the same thing and it was really quite easy. Thanks for the tip!

[@patrickcarter1692]

I’m exhausted just watching! 😆. The five 50 year old hollies in front of my house may be staying there a bit longer. Enjoyed the vid!

[@crisisgirl]

I'm watching this video after spending a quality 80 minutes trying to dig out - 90% UNsuccessfully! - a 50 year old broadleaf hydrangea growing in a corner and so with with a concrete porch on one side and concrete steps on the other side.... It's cold and I didn't realize how hard I was working until I nearly passed out! I've now come inside, had 3 glasses of water and a glass of orange juice, and this video is just what I needed to see precisely because of how tired he is. Ok, it's not just me! Tenacious roots goodness... Hydrangea roots seem similar and I have no access on 2 sides and other mature trees etc so no machinery is coming into this location. I have 2 to remove, root balls 3 x 3 feet... On the bright side, looks like I will around 100 new plants to trade and give away! Magda

[@guhrizzlybaire]

Happy Sleepy I have to do a hydrangea also, same setup. Right next to concrete and it’s making t so difficult.

[@bryantull7596]

A truck and tow rope. 10 minutes with no work. remember 4 wheel drive so you don't rip up the grass too bad

[@Mafioso1731]

I had pulled out two massive bushes with really long anchored roots yesterday and it was definitely a test of will. Only now did I decide to see how others have done it and I am glad to see that there was no magic shortcut. Just takes time patience and a lot of elbow grease.

[@idriss123456]

Sawzall with a diablo 12 inch pruning blade

[@ruthmagin5418]

If you have access to an engine hoist there IS A SHORT CUT

[@qtpiballer]

Thanks for giving me the confidence to tackle my shrub removal on my own!

[@cynthiagreen1432]

This was a very well made, professional and helpful video. You were succinct and to the point. You speeded up the labor part of trimming off the leafy branches. I get so weary of amateur KZbin videos where the narrator just rambles on and on repeating himself and giving unnecessary information. Thank you so much!

[@rachelwright8326]

Thanks for the video and the tip on the trenching shovel! My husband and I have a few ~25 year old boxwoods to pull out tomorrow and watching this helped me feel confident that we can do it ourselves!

[@ireneedmonds4712]

I hate those things lol they smell like cat pee

[@NorceCodine]

Those hollies looked perfect under the porch!

[@BeckyFouche]

Thank you for all the tips. I was not looking forward to removing some overgrown 50 year old bushes. Anxious to let the house get more light.

[@seapossumsforrest8162]

Helps if the ground is moist from a good rain. Great tips!

[@SolHeizer]

My root slayer tore my bushes up…like butter. Thanks for the technique & steps.😁 sometimes it’s just the basics that a person (me) needs schooling on. They don’t teach this stuff in school. Thanks again. 😁😍

[@sandcaster]

this video was super helpful for me with a pair of large, established boxwoods. didn't think I'd be able to wrestle them out of the ground, but this gave me the encouragement I needed, 2 hours later they're out of the ground without any issues!! thank you so much!

[@JimPutnam]

That's great.

[@mikez9492]

I live in Texas and a few of my shrubs did not survive the last winter freeze. I thought of removing them this way but decided to use the truck method - attach one end of a chain to my truck and the other end to a shrub, then use the truck to pull it out. Did 3 shrubs in less than 15 minutes. That's the only way I'll ever do it.

[@genecollins5455]

Had a neighbor try this and it ripped his bumper right out

[@mikez9492]

@@genecollins5455 I attached it to my tow hooks. Common sense should tell someone not to pull anything with their bumper.

[@tiffanysgottimetoday4589]

I been in my house 17 years and had some of those too,one day I got up and took everything out lol it was about 10 to 12 bushes the house looks so good and clean with them gone 😀I still haven’t planted anything else just used mulch and brick border, we are enjoying not having shrubs to trim and only grass to cut...

[@whatagreatlife]

I watched the first one and then decided I would set the others on fire before I did that again 😁😁😁😁😁😁

[@victorino7113]

Did it work?

[@patricia7606]

Ha ha ha What a great idea! Did the fire dept come? Hilarious 😆 thanks!

[@Karlythecoolest]

😂😂😂

[@theproducersrealestategroupinc]

Yep, there's no easy how-to with plants. Its hard work. 🤣

[@morganhough1022]

Thanks for sharing this helpful info! I just wish I would've watched it before we went and hacked our bushes down to stumps with nothing left to grab hold of 🤦‍♀️

[@ahall6157]

Good day, Gentleman. Thank you for your encouragement. I've recently received an estimate of $300 to remove two (2) young rose bushes that are diseased. I haven't been able to allow myself to pay that, thinking that it's a task that I could do myself. This video provides the encouragement needed. Many thanks.

[@yoshie2185]

On bush down 7 to go wow it’s harder than it looks !!! You made it look so easy sir…

[@chines68]

Thanks for giving me the confidence to try this. I've got several old shrubs that are just nasty looking at this point. We'll see how I do!

[@aaronpieraldi6237]

After my mom passed away 4 months ago. Not a gardener at all n not having alot of tools but this video helped as i wanna pull a bush up in the yard. Great help. Will have to look at other vids u might have.

[@BuzzCongram]

Found that using a sawsall to cut the roots very helpful. find the root and let the blade penetrate the dirt and saw away.

[@favoritehobbygardenerOKLAHOMA]

He sure made that look easy! 😊

[@crisisgirl]

Thank-you for this video and, honestly, seeing how hard it is and how hard you are breathing gives me support for my job because it is my first time moving a mature shrub and seemed just impossible. Mine is a 50 year old hydrangea 3 x 3 foot on the base and with a concrete wall on 2 sides, other factors and including cost, nothing for it except I have to do it by hand. You have renewed my resolve. And actually digging out the soil in a trench around the roots - thanks for the pro tip.

[@Sigkeeper1]

I have been working on a hedge removal project where there are 5 hedges that are all over 28 years old. They grew to over 5 feet tall and were adjacent to a front window and had in effect grown into the inside of the window. I spent the first day removing all of the foliage with loppers and putting that foliage into two 55 gallon sized very heavy duty trash bags. I am at the point of having removed some wild ferns that had snuck into the hedge that had to also be removed. Now I am at the point of having gotten to the point of being able to dig out the remaining plant with the root system and discard each plant as yard waste. I will be reusing the existing soil surrounding the roots and add new soil to fill in. I was forced to use a lopper that I have virtually worn out since the limbs of the hedge were between 3 /4 inch and 1 1/2 inches in size. I managed to use a small limb saw to cut down the limbs to about 10 inches. In my case I could not have used a hedge trimmer since the limbs were too large. I have cleaned the surface around of unwanted plant waste . Once I remove the large root balls I will use a weed torch to kill off the wild ferns and then level this 5 foot by 9 foot area with new topsoil and will likely plant new sod to cover the area until I decide what replacement plants I want to use. In my case this has been turning into a 4 day project and I have perhaps 2 more days to go to get the job done right

[@froggytoons231]

Thanks for the tips! i know im pretty young but im removing some hollies that have been at my house for YEARS and im thinking of putting a garden there! i wanted to get them all out in about a day, i didn't know the fastest way, but THANKYOU so much! this will get things moving!

[@shirleyferber245]

I'm going to dig out 3 barbery bushes. Thanks for the tutorial. I'm almost 70.

[@johnanddebfaison9936]

Been watching your videos for a few months now. Took out a little gem magnolia a few weeks ago using the same technique you showed. Thanks for being on KZbin. We really enjoy your channel! J&D

[@JimPutnam]

+John and Deb Faison Thank you

[@johnmorgan1982]

Duuude. Get a truck and a mounted tire. With a chain or tow strap. I pulled up 16 30 years old bushes in about 2 hours. Got in and out of the truck 16 times. With a/c on blast. It was a pleasure

[@MartyTwelves]

Thanks, Jim! This is exactly what I was looking for to figure out how to pull out a few bushes in front of my house.

[@vanessamccauley7672]

This helped me remove a dead plant all by myself, thank you!

[@MyDarling572]

Thank you Jim. I got a warning to remove mine before September 10. Never done this before. Hopefully it will go smoothly like you did. Wish me luck.

[@sheryllafferty2255]

How'd it go?!

[@MyDarling572]

@@sheryllafferty2255 Hello Sheryl, thank you so much for asking ❤❤ Well, it went well! It took me about an hour to get rid of it. I'm not sure how far roots spread, one tiny branch seemed to continue under the porch. But I definitely dug deep and man did my reciprocating saw made me vibrate like there's so tomorrow. I'm greatful learned a new skill, thanks to this video!

[@lenagraham2093]

Thanks for making this video. This is exactly what I wanted to know how to do. We also have 20year old holly’s directly in front of our front porch that I want to replace. We own those exact tools, and now we know what to do!

[@booshaboo9655]

This is exactly the problem I have at the moment, two 17 yr old Hebes that I have cut back but roots are very well anchored. This is very helpful thank you for posting.

[@garthleadon8483]

I'm fixing my yard after my kin folk didn't take care of it for some reason. I'm now in the process of pulling out the roots. I cannot believe how much great land my kin folk had and never took care of it. I can't wait the finish the job and make it like a big picnic.

[@RoseSharon7777]

My friend just put a chain around the base and hooked it to a truck. 5 plants Out in 15 minutes!!

[@highlightedreply8838]

HE IS WEARING ME OUT !!

[@eugenecod]

they don't have truck in the city

[@TIMEtoRIDE900]

@@eugenecod Rent the Home Depot truck for $20.00

[@neoasura]

@@TIMEtoRIDE900 Good technique if you have someone to help. It's hard to make a chain by yourself to grab the root and drive at the same time.

[@ljones98391]

I've seen a super duper chain permanently straightened and the plant still in the ground attempting that. Huge tap root that went half way to China on that plant. Didn't do the truck any good either.😳

[@MrSharp14]

Thanks for the help Jim! Removing 8 bushes between today & tomorrow.

[@anitawhite7767]

This is so helpful. I am one that thought it was out of my ability to dig up. I've got these tools. I'm going to get started!

[@justinebooth5123]

Great vid! Thank you :) I removed foliage yesterday from an old spikey thin and slicing leaved shrubby thing took me hours.. I didn’t have a clue how to get the rest out now I do! Thank you for the encouragement that I can do this job. Looks so hard but doable.. might be a three day job for me!

[@theresacaple85]

I thought I would have to hire someone to do this. Now I feel empowered to do it myself. Plus it would save me about $1000 to remove 5 large bushes. Thanks so much!

[@thebluestplanet6768]

No, those are beautiful! I would move my sidewalk before I removed those lovely bushes!

[@juliewilbers4360]

1) water well (almost sopping wet), 2) call a local tow truck company, 3) have the tow truck driver strap around each one and lift out. We had 14, twenty year old shrubs right up against the foundation out of the ground in less than an hour and a half and the tow truck only charged $80.

[@JoeF-sr4um]

You can rent an engine hoist, wrap a chain around the base of the plant and pull the entire plant out of the ground within minutes. I used process shown in this video for one side of my lawn and it was pure hell. I watched a few videos on how to make the job easier and found the engine hoist works perfectly. I rented the hoist from a local company who charged $7 a day. I got the job done within an hour. Work smarter not harder. Traditional methods are not always the best methods.

[@ifyousayso9392]

Thanks for the advice!

[@JoeF-sr4um]

No problem! I purchased a house and you can tell the previous owner loved shrubs. I had 50 feet worth of overgrown shrubs and 75 on the other side of the lawn of over grown shrubs.

[@ifyousayso9392]

@@JoeF-sr4um Same here.. and in the backyard too! The ones in front must have gotten some kind of fungus and now they're just two rows of shrubbery on either side (ranch style) that are completely bare. They have to go quickly. I can't stand looking at them leaving or coming. My neighbors probably aren't too pleased either. I've been searching for a remedy that won't break my back or my pockets for 2 years now. You're a godsend. Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[@JoeF-sr4um]

Ms H ! Thank you! Same to you! Hope it all works out for ya!!

[@billbodger4723]

I did the Same job but in heavy clay soil and boy it was hard work ,I replanted two of them and was surprised they both lived,they still look good,Mexican orange blossoms,that was four year’s ago so it’s always worth a try if you like the plants.

[@EverydayKindaGuy]

Got me a truck and a couple of large tow straps. Ain't nobody got time for all that.

[@youngprince716]

Lol good luck with that 1

[@jerrywhidby.]

Run the rope over an upright tire.

[@fia8079]

I'm a female and that's exactly what I was thinking ! duhhhhh

[@virginia7125]

Try it with a chain and a riding mower or tractor. I wouldn't use newer riding mowers on pulling stumps. A lot of them went to plastic transmissions.

[@dccowboy87]

There are a lot of KZbin fails of that method

[@mellisaglanville7470]

Love your content! You make it all look so easy!

[@idigbebop]

I have a tip for large junipers which has a high degree of difficulty due to the root systems. Get your monster loppers or pruning saw and cut them best you can flush to the ground. I then take a long handled 8 pound sledge hammer and lay into that root mass for a few whacks. . It usually takes only 2 or 3 hits and the roots mass usually lets go of it’s hold and pulls right up. Of course it depends on the soil, but roots usually yield pretty good under this type of force.

[@ricfax]

This helped in telling me to cut the big feeder roots which should make it easier to pull the rest out with a tow strap or cable attached to a trailer hitch. I searched here after having mixed results pulling them that way. One yielded while two others slipped out. Thanks!

[@MI-tt7vd]

I came across this video today and it helped me to remove a shrub.

[@WrenCottage302]

Saw this video at just at the right time. We have some 25-year-old birds nest spruces that need to be replaced. Thanks for showing us the right way to get the job done without paying an arm and a leg. We will probably do it a little at a time as you suggested. 🙂

[@melaniewallace1289]

It's really interesting and informative to see this process done by someone who knows what they are doing. Thanks so much for sharing the experience! Give Holly a pat n the head from me.

[@JimPutnam]

+Melanie Wallace I will. Thanks

[@tonybridgeforth4188]

Great tip on the shovel type. I have been using a round point shovel which is marginally effective.

[@Grunt11B101]

Something even easier that I do...use a recipricating saw with wood plade and cut circle. Turns this 25-30 minute project into 10 minutes. Even better, get bit chains and hook up to a riding mower after cutting large roots and drag it out. In NC, where the heat and humidity is especially high right now it is a life saver.

[@JimPutnam]

There are a hundred faster ways. I have been landscaping for thirty years. I just want to show people that may not have access to those options. Thanks for watching.

[@jfelrod1960]

Thank you! The previous owner of my house love plants and planted high maintence plants around my porch and around the house. I'm not into it like that. So I'm removing them. Again thank you!

[@angelapolly1]

You have a video for every question I have had! Thanks! I'm hoping this will work for 2 GIGANTIC mop false cypress (?) that my in-laws planted in the middle of the best part of our back yard - they take up so much valuable space.

[@annerose7571]

Jim, Thanks for the video! I have five 45 year old 6 x 6 Indian Hawthorn that are getting too much shade now, not blooming and getting dieback. I want to replace them with smaller shade shrubs. I think I (69 F) can get it started and show my gardener it can be done.

[@snail1720]

Those are 20 years established and I have 3 holly bushes that are about 40 years established. Got em cut down to the nubs but now it's time to start digging. I guess I will have to buy a trench shovel to get in there good cuz the roots on these mothers are huge. It might take me a year to get all three but I am determined.

[@probono9341]

Fortunately, the guy installing my pool agreed to gently dig my shrubs with a Bobcat at no extra cost. Should take him about 10 min tops.

[@NobleNobbler]

I circle the shrub with a recip saw and a pruning blade then under cut after using a mini pickaxe. Rocks are always fun.

[@Idkimjustwatchingyt]

I appreciate this! I don't have the tools everyone else is recommending and quite honestly don't want to spend a lot to remove my bushes. Plus, i don't mind the workout! Thanks for sharing :)

[@EdieBabeMonster]

Thanks - super helpful - going to finish removing roots of a gnarly plant now.

[@JimPutnam]

Awesome. Glad to help.

[@eppityrrell8236]

OMG perfect plants

[@jgg7377]

I had big established 50 years old bushes in front of my house. I cut down like you did to expose the inside so I could see the trunks and instead of digging out with a shovel, I put a heavy duty chain around it and hooked it up to the back of my truck and slowly pulled them all out myself, much easier than digging them out. Also I wasn’t trying to save them !

[@AuronFFX]

need to be careful doing that, could blow out your engine.

[@sevenchang815]

I had to take out some shrubs. What I used was a tie down strap and an engine hoist. Wrap the strap and tighten it around the shrubs at the bottom, then tie it to the engine hoist. Hoist it up and it pulled the shrubs right up in less than a few minutes. Had to cut the roots to avoid damaging more of the ground surface, but it was super simple with an engine hoist to lift it up if you have one handy.

[@kitchengrdencorner]

Great video. I tried it, and it worked. Thank you!!

[@rorohiker882]

My husband worked on one that is planted in the corner of our home by the previous owners. All I can say is lots of patience and try not to cuss. We did not get the whole plant out we just took a saw to it and although we damaged it really good it’s still wants to sprout new growth.

[@peggystein3745]

Thank u I have 3 old rose bushes damaged by freeze that need to come out. Didn't know the best approach I cannot afford professionals!

[@1MzSyd1]

I have been trying to remove Azelias. I will never in my life think they are pretty again. This has been the hardest task I've ever had.

[@melissasaenz4261]

Thanks! I have an ongoing project removing an established Nandina hedge from a fence row. It moved into the neighbors yard so we are both on a mission to eradicate the massive roots. He is spraying herbicides; I am using shovel, pick axe, small hand tools, etc. It's been an on-going process since spring. My 2yo son "helps" so hopefully when it gets cool this fall we can finish. No shade in a Louisiana summer is too hot!

[@markt372]

1st time researching removal of bush in front yard - and this explained it.....cool:).

[@leroyfelter3226]

I used my 2017 ram truck and a strap, works effortlessly!

[@jtmacready]

great video, very informative...I'm going to employ these techniques this weekend on some ugly old shrubs in front of my house!

[@a1930ford]

I would suggest that you use a steadier shoe than the ones you wore in the video. A boon docker, boots or something with a solid sole and not something that actually bends so easily as you push down on a shovel. It makes it more difficult for you in the tennis shoes. One other suggestion (and not being critical at all) is to moisten the ground around the base of the shrub before attempting to remove it. Thanks for the video. You sound a bit winded by the end and I would be too.

[@falconthree3815]

Boy, lam glad I watch this before I started,thanks

[@urbansurvivor360]

8 year old shrubs i gotta deal with I've no power tools but luckily I don't have masses and aren't that deep. But girl living alone I'm gonna do it!! Thanks great vid and great tip about trenching shovel.

[@MilesSherry]

This video popped up at the right time. I had two huge Loropetalum removed last year. I may remove the other two this year by myself. Another great video, Jim!

[@marcyfreeman05]

I watched this video for tips. I am removing loropetalum bushes too. They're huge.

[@irismorales501]

we did pretty much what you did in your video, to remove an overgrown large shrub that had grown in place for over 45 yrs. Had to do this over several days (we are in our 70's!) but finally got the invasive, unattractive shrub out, including down to its roots. HOWEVER, about 2 wks later, little leaves sprang up -- yes, the dang this was aiming to re-grow😱!!! So how do we "kill off" the unwanted roots without harming the azalea and evergreen growing on either side🤔? We'd like to plant a perennial plant(s), or can you make suggestions? All we know for sure is that we do NOT want the uprooted plant to ever regrow via whatever remnants are deeply existing still...😳

[@davidraimundo7554]

I used a sawzall with a pruning blade to cut below grade the entire perimeter of the root ball. Then, back up my pickup to yank it out with a steel cable. About 15 min.

[@kayleeann8493]

Thank you! Husband and I start removing our bushes today, wish us luck!

[@SimplyTresha]

Thank you for this, but also grateful you left the breathing in the video, so i can get a sense for how difficult it was 😂. I'll let you know how it goes. 🤞🏽

[@morningdove3140]

We had the same bushes lined in front of our house just like your house. My husband took his tractor and hooked on them with a chain and they came right up and we gave them to my niece and she planted them in her yard. You want to make sure the ground is very wet before pulling them up because it helps for them come and for replanting.

[@solarroofing8072]

Surprised they survived most plants would die without their roof ball. Maybe she watered like crazy

[@kw8501]

I just dug out a huge overgrown boxwood in my yard today using this same method. It was a bugger of a job though and I've got ten more to go. One less shrub to trim! I can't wait until they are all gone so I'll never have to trim another one. I also dug up a juniper...what a horrible plant to remove! 😱. I've got five more of them. Not sure my back can handle it...lol.

[@nexingtoncaldwell6381]

Juniper are the worst plant to remove. Our builders placed 9-10 in front yard. I moved two to the back. Two others that were a bit more established nearly broke my back I just threw them away. I have about 5 more that I am consider bonsai not sure if they will last through our winters in that condition but they really are not appealing in the front just big and round.

[@ljones98391]

I agree that junipers are horrid to remove.

[@moselc09]

After you dig your trench. Wet the hole and the dirt and root separate and the plant comes out easier. My old neighbor taught me that while i was trying to remove a sago palm.

[@jennifersauer3257]

Shared with my friend digging out established euonymus - at least 30 yrs old 😳 Thanks!

[@modrn_]

Yeeeeeeeeah, I'ma just go ahead and pay someone to do that. All the respect in the world though for buckling down and doing the hard work.

[@Ed-iz4wm]

I guess the old saying is true. One man's trash is another man's treasure. I wish I had those Holly's in my front yard. Oh well.

[@Mrs.TJTaylor]

Ed I get all my best stuff free from Craigslist. I have a four foot tall/wide formal boxwood hedge around my deck that I dug out of a stranger’s yard. It’s value is about 6k. Looked pretty bad for a couple years. Now it’s gorgeous.

[@monicase9536]

Diane Taylor hi,if you don’t mind me asking . How you get them healthy & without root shock. I’ve gotten some & overwatered. Now, i have some & they’re hanging on. Just don’t know if I should keep nursing them . Thanks

[@leticiareinhart2875]

I’m going to try and remove a few nandina shrubs. I’d like to relocate to the fence line. Any recommendations before I start?

[@obsidiansea]

They are not native and not beneficial. Better to replace with native shrubs that provide cover, food, and nesting material for native species.

[@avagrego3195]

They are beautiful and healthy looking. They just needed trimming or reshaping.

[@steveb7714]

Thanks so much, learning about that trenching shovel and root breaking process should make a similar job I need to do this weekend much easier.

[@maryjames4302]

Thank you! Just moved into a100 year old house w a lot of led shrubs & bushes that need to go. . So helpful

[@JimPutnam]

+Mary James Thanks for watching

[@TTGIFT]

Another educational video! Fabulous as usual.

[@kimsutube11]

The New Holland tractor and tow chain work pretty good. Put a slow drip hose on them all day the before. Shut off night before you pull them. Even with a 32 hp tractor the 40 year old yew roots were gnarly and required some digging and cutting. Once the 3 day job was done my friend ghosted me.... go figure.

[@conniegee8664]

Those shrubs looked so comfortable along the railing and probably was home to a lot of critters seeking shelter at night.

[@bettyescookingchannel]

Thanks for sharing how to removing old plants.

[@karadaniel6334]

Wow, you are amazing but all that heavy breathing is making me reconsider tackling this...but I stuck with it to the end and saw you recovered within a few minutes, so and I’ll probably try 😎

[@stanleydecastro3319]

try using a farm jack or even a car engine stand

[@kennarosesalverda5127]

In my backyard we have a rose bush that's probably over 30 years old and half dead. I've been trying to muster up the courage to dig it out so I can put something new in its place

[@localbuzzkill1760]

I have a very old, very large invasive burning bush that the previous owners planted right by the steps to my front porch. Very excited for it to be finally be gone

[@kevini4295]

Agree with prior comments, bush like that. Use a truck and a chain or similar. Visiting my folks here in NY. Helped out with a few things, did the old school digging like this man to get rid of one bush. Too much energy, I flush cut the other two. Ugly diseased shrubs that just had to go.

[@JackieHagge]

Thanks for the info! I just removed an ugly tea olive that was planted in 2000. It’s been cut back countless times then grew back even uglier. It’s gone now!!