How to Remove Old Bushes and Shrubs

Spray the shrub with an herbicide containing triclopyr or glyphosate. Triclopyr kills woody plants, while glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide that kills most plants it comes in contact with. This process kills the plant and roots, preventing regrowth from any root segment left after removal of the shrub. Allow about four weeks for the chemicals to take full effect before attempting to remove the bush.

Pull the shrub out with a truck. This isn't always practical but it is the simplest method. Hook a chain or heavy rope around the base of the shrub and connect to the hitch of a truck or sport utility vehicle. Cut roots with a small chain saw or hand pruning saw as they become exposed. This process is only possible if a vehicle can get near the shrub without causing to much damage to the lawn or surrounding landscape.

Cut the shrub or bush about a foot above the ground if manual removal is necessary. Use a with a chainsaw or hand pruning saw to make the cuts. It is easier to grab the shrub for removal if you have a bit of a handle. Depending on the species of shrub, there are often multiple stems or trunks coming from ground level. Clear all of these from the work site.

Dig with a shovel around the shrub base to expose the roots. Cut the roots using a pruning saw and remove the stumps of the shrub from the ground. Remove as much of the root as possible if you plan to use the ground for a garden. Clear roots from the area where any new shrubs are to be planted.