How to get rid of a bush

snooziebunny

Hi I have a great big ball of a bush in my garden, I reallhy want it gone to make room for a border.  But how do I get rid of it and its roots?  Its got no leaves at the moment, so I guess this is the best time to do it? 

Busy-Lizzie

If you really don't want it you'll have to be prepared for hard work. Cut it right back to make it's main stem easier to get hold of and give access to the base. Then dig, dig, pull trunk, wiggle it, dig again. Use a fork to loosen earth around the roots. Perhaps someone else will come up with an easier method!

Dovefromabove

I agree with Busy-Lizzie - there is no other way - just energy and a good sharp spade.  As she says, cut it down, but not too short so it's trunk gives you good leverage for the wiggling part of the process, then dig around with a spade until you've dug a trench at least a foot deep all around then start to under-cut with the spade. You'll know when it's time to wiggle. 

 I dug a very large shrub out of a border at work in my lunch hour (I'm office based - a male colleague thought it would take at least all afternoon and offered to help me 'tomorrow' ).  

Cheaper than going to a gym 

nutcutlet

If you have access for a vehicle, once you get some dirt shifted you can tie a tow rope to a good strong branch and pull with the car while another person hacks at the roots.