Unwanted hedges and bushes in the home garden cause frustration and can act as quite the eyesore. This problem often occurs when shrubs become injured during storms, infested with insects, diseased, or when they simply become problematic and difficult to handle. Rather than ignoring the problem or trying to address it haphazardly , simply choose an effective method to rid your home landscape of unwanted shrubs.
For extremely large hedges consisting of large shrubs or trees, contact a licensed professional for appropriate removal. Though you may have the capacity to kill the hedge through use of herbicide application, professionals have equipment and knowledge that will prevent potential accidents. As the threat from dead falling trees or from those you wish to cut down yourself is a danger to you and passersby, contacting a tree service ensures a safe experience. If you simply choose to have a the hedge cut down professionally, you can move forward with herbicidal treatment of the stump on your own.
Cut and Treat
First cut the unwanted hedge near the ground. Immediately after cutting the hedge or bush, spray the stump with an herbicide. Apply water to the tree's surface, which will act as a carrier to transport the herbicide. Use an herbicide with an active ingredient, such as glyphosate, 2,4-DP or triclopyr. If you fail to apply the herbicide immediately, simply re-cut the surface of the stump and apply the herbicide.
As long as hedges and bushes measure less than 15 feet in height, you can apply a foliar spray to kill unwanted plants. Use a systemic herbicide, which is a chemical that travels throughout the plant's entire system. Spray foliage with an herbicide with an active ingredient, such as glyphosate, triclopyr, dicamba or 2,4-D. Apply the herbicide during August and September, according to the Washington State University Extension. Always dilute sprays to ensure they move into the plant's system. Avoid this treatment during periods of extremely warm weather.
For smaller, independent hedges or bushes, consider digging them up by hand. Remove as much of the roots as possible. Dense hedges with a vast network of roots, however, likely will reappear and are difficult to remove. Additionally, pay close attention to herbicide directions and practice caution. Chemicals may drift on wind or spread from one root system to another and damage desired plants. Avoid treating soil directly with herbicides to avoid accidental uptake by other plants. When in doubt, contact a professional or your local county extension agent for assistance.
- Washington State University Extension: Chemical Control for Woody Plants, Stumps and Trees
- Texas AgriLife Extension: How to Avoid Lumps When Treating Cut Stumps
- Iowa State University Extension: Ask the ISU Experts
- University of Minnesota Extension Service: Removing Trees and Shrubs
- University of Missouri Extension: Removing Unwanted Trees From Your Woodland: Part 2
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