How to remove shrubs roots is a question asked by some people who are thinking of lawn care when reshaping their plants, with removing shrubs and roots being the first step they want to take.
Shrub removal is not easy, but this article provides all the easy and simple steps to get rid of shrub roots properly. So, read this article and learn everything you need to know about removing shrub roots and proper lawn care.
How To Remove Shrub Roots in Simple Steps?
To remove shrub roots in simple steps, you must plan the perfect time to do it and prepare the necessary tools and materials. Clear and clean the lawn, make the cut and expose the roots, dig a hole, carefully remove the root ball, transplant the plant, and fill the hole.
You need to know that when you don’t properly remove the roots from shrubs, your lawn will become subject to possible issues later on. Some of the common problems are soil compaction and soil decrease. You don’t need to be an expert, but you do need to make sure that you know what to do so that your shrubs will be good to go.
Compression of soil is another problem to handle if the roots are not plucked out properly. When roots rot, they leave remains that make the soil compressed. If this happens, plants will have a hard time growing, and they can be damaged if the soil is compacted
1. Plan the Perfect Time When to Remove Roots
Choosing the perfect time for removing roots is the first thing to do, and for this, you need to observe your surroundings. If you think that no children are playing, no one is busy doing something in the area, and no birds are nesting, work on the project that day, so you can’t disturb anyone in the area, so be keen on the bush removal machine you use.
2. Prepare the Tools and Materials Needed
After planning, prepare everything you need before you make your first move in removing the shrub’s roots, so you do not get disturbed when you start and are already working on it. Make sure that you have the following: safety sunglasses, gardening gloves, boots, pants, and long sleeves, or anything that can protect your skin, to be on the safe side and not harm yourself in any way.
You also need to prepare the best tool to remove roots, such as a mattock, bow rake, pruning saw, lopping shears, hand digging tools, and a round point shovel. You can also use some tools to properly cut the roots and carefully pull out the plant from the ground, according to the bush size.
3. Clear and Clean the Lawn
Now that the materials and tools are complete, it’s time to check the area where you will do the bush removal. You must be detailed about this, that no one is in the area except you and your helper when you start. This way, you can focus on your project and prevent any accidents or avoid having anyone get hurt.
Also, clean the area and the surrounding of the lawn, so that nothing gets in the way. It is very important to start when your surroundings are safe, clean, and have enough space. It should be free from any obstacles and danger.
Note that doing this is significant because when the soil is experiencing a nutrient decrease, rotted roots from plants become a great food source for organisms that inhabit the soil, and this can be a factor for pests to start depleting the nutrients that other plants need. Leaving detached decaying leaves and branches behind may hinder any digging activities you may plan to do, especially if you decide to start landscaping in the future. Moreover, these roots may start growing into new plants, making it difficult for you to grow other plants in the same area.
4. Make the Cut and Expose the Roots
Before making the cut, water the area to moisten and expose it. In this way, removing roots from the ground will be easier. Use your hands to pull out the roots when necessary and if they are very young and no danger will come to your palms as you pull them. However, if you need some tools to remove the roots, you can use them to lessen the time spent and save yourself some energy.
Then, properly cut the shrub until only a small portion of the plant is left. Make sure to use sharp lopping shears to be able to cut the branches. To cut the main trunk of the shrub, use a pruning saw as your cutting tool.
You need to fully cut the shrub as much as you can to expose the bush stump. Stump removal is quite challenging, but when stumps are already exposed, you can easily pull the roots from the ground as easily. For your safety, wear gloves, pants, and long sleeves to avoid skin irritation that you may encounter while cutting the shrub, and after so, you must always make sure to dispose of all the remains from the cut shrub.
5. Dig a Hole
Dig a hole using a round-point shovel, and together with this, you can also use other equipment, such as a root jack. Start removing the soil inside the hole and let it settle. You can cut through the roots of the shrub using the shovel head.
On the other hand, if you’re unable to cut the roots using the shovel’s head, you can dig them out instead. This digging tool is called a round point shovel because its sides are rounded, but its tip is pointy, which can be used to dig soil and cut roots.
6. Carefully Remove the Root Ball
For you to be able to remove the root ball from the soil, you will need to use a mattock. Cut up the roots of the large shrub using the ax side of the mattock. Using the other side of the mattock, dig through the shrub’s roots, which will get them off.
You can remove as many roots as you can to pull out the root ball later on easily. When the roots are gone, this will help all the plants that you are planning to grow to have enough space in a well-managed and clean area. In order to prevent any new growth, you must get rid of the roots, so ensure that you dispose of them well. After doing so, you can cut any excess plant growth growing on the surface to remove your shrubs properly without damaging your plants as well as your yard.
7. Pull the Plant Away
Now that you’ve dug the root of the shrub, gently pull the plant away from the soil and remove any remaining root using the ax side of the mattock. Pluck the remaining roots from the soil after you remove the main plant.
However, you can just leave the leftover roots to decay; it’s all up to your preference. Just make sure you’ve already plucked the small root systems connected to the shrub because roots can easily regenerate, and that would make your efforts go down the drain.
Removing the shrubs’ roots with your hands is the most practical way to remove the roots. However, this is also the most uncomfortable method of root removal because you need to put extra effort and strength into pulling the shrubs and roots.
8. Transfer Your Plant
To transfer your plant to a new planting area, prepare the soil in the location where you’re going to plant the shrub. Make sure to break down the soil evenly and properly. Dig a new trench in the new area for your shrub using a mattock and other digging tools. Watch over your plant, and monitor if any sprouts or roots are starting to grow again, and now you must be mindful that the plant can be in a vulnerable position.
9. Fill the Hole
Now that you have finished digging the soil, you can place it back in its original place. Remove any unnecessary debris and components in the hole to prevent the soil from having anything potentially harmful. To make the soil settle, slightly water the area to allow the soil to be firm.
Once you remove the roots, you can now fill the hole using clean new topsoil. Make sure to spread the topsoil properly to avoid any possible hazards and to have the ideal soil type for new plants to grow in healthy conditions. Keep an eye on the area. Once the roots start to come out again, do the cuttings regularly.
However, when you don’t feel confident and safe doing this project, it’s time to seek a consultant or a professional in this field. Removing roots the wrong way will result in some issues in your yard.
Conclusion
Use all these steps to properly remove the shrubs and roots on your lawn and be like an expert after following all the steps provided in this article, so let’s do a recap of everything we covered:
- To properly remove the shrubs’ roots, you’ll need to plan ahead, examine your lawn, and prepare the necessary materials and tools.
- You can eliminate the roots by simply using your hands; however, in some cases, it would be easier if you use some tools and other techniques shared in this article.
- Always wear proper protection when doing such projects to protect your skin from harm and irritation.
- When removing root shrubs, eliminate all the roots so they cannot regrow and later on multiply. In case you see some roots growing back, get rid of them immediately by cutting them.
- You need to get rid of all the roots because shrubs are capable of staying alive, and the roots that have been left might regrow.
Now that you know how to remove shrubs’ roots, you should start the day, plan ahead, and be prepared like an expert.
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