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You must cut into the ground and around the full circumference of the bush stump to keep it from growing back. If you're concerned about the size of the underground roots or are unable to remove them manually, you can also treat the root ball with an herbicide. Speak with a local landscaper about whether the remaining roots will interfere with your garden plans or threaten to bring the plant back to life.

Trees growing within 10 to 15 feet of your house pose serious risks, so it’s worth considering removing them. First, branches that hang over and touch your roof can promote roof damage and moss accumulation, which can lead to leaking. Second, they drop debris into your gutters, leading to clogs and overflow that can promote foundation leaks. Finally, the root systems can grow into your home’s foundation, sometimes putting enough pressure on them that the concrete wall cracks, leaving you with structural damage. As such, it’s often a good idea to remove trees growing close to your home.

Stump grinding leaves the stump and roots below the grinding depth intact, though they will gradually decay over the next decade. You can grow plants with shallow roots, such as grass, over the remaining pieces of your now-deceased tree. However, you should wait until they fully decay to plant anything with a larger root system.

There are many ways to cut through roots when digging, especially if your trencher doesn’t seem to be removing the roots. First, use a shovel to expose the roots. Then, use gardening shears to clear out smaller roots or a reciprocating saw to remove larger plant roots. If you plan on keeping the plant, avoid cutting any roots over 2 inches thick.