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To remove a shrub, start by cutting back the shrub using pruning shears, loppers, or a chainsaw. Next, dig around the base of the shrub with a pointed shovel to expose its root system. Then, use a shovel or a mattock to loosen the roots, making it easier to pull or lift the shrub from the ground. For larger shrubs or stubborn root systems, attaching a chain or strap to the base and using a vehicle to pull it out can be effective. Ensure proper disposal of the shrub and its debris following local waste disposal guidelines.

The most common alternative is burning the stump first, then dealing with the cinders and ashes. As you can imagine, this option creates fire hazards, especially since roots can burn underground, hidden, for long afterward. That’s why many states and cities have outlawed the use of stump burning entirely. We do not recommend this option as a viable alternative unless you get a permit from the local fire department and practice all safe burning procedures.

Others prefer a more long-term DIY approach of degrading the stump with home mixtures like Epsom salt and vinegar injected directly into it. This may help the stump decay faster, allowing homeowners to dig it out themselves, but it’s still a lengthy process. It usually takes months for a stump to start falling apart with such treatments, and in the meantime, it can be vulnerable to rot, insects, and other problems.

Don’t pick up dirt after aerating. Even though it's tempting because soil cores are incredibly unsightly, these cores and the dirt they leave behind are ecologically important. This is what keeps your grass looking beautiful and growing healthily. The soil cores need two to three weeks to decompose, but you can swat them with a rake if their natural shape bothers you.

Using a truck to remove a bush falls into the category of “just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.” While it is possible to use a truck to pull out a bush, if you don’t have the right equipment, if you’re not familiar with attaching things to your vehicle correctly, or if you don’t have enough room, it’s a risky option. To prevent damage to your vehicle, it’s worth using tools made for the job of digging and cutting roots instead.