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Many tools are effective in helping you remove hedges. While heavy machinery is likely the best option for making quick work of hedge removal, your trusty hand spade shovel is probably the next best. Use a spade shovel to dig around the hedge and break roots as you go with the tool. Your spade is also useful for getting deep underneath the root ball, so you can insert a pry bar to help lift the plant.

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.

Always remove leaves from hardscapes and other lawn features. Leaves and other yard debris can become slippery and dangerous, and fallen leaves can discolor and stain materials like stone, brick, and concrete. Use a rake, brush, or leaf blower to remove leaves from hardscapes and prevent staining.

You cannot put anything you want into a rented dumpster, as there are significant restrictions on certain items.

Generally allowed items include:

• Household Junk: Furniture, old linens, carpets, toys, small appliances, and excess trash.

• Construction & Yard Debris: Wood, yard debris, roofing materials, old finishes, and other construction waste.

Commonly prohibited items include:

• Hazardous Materials: Toxic waste, medical waste, dangerous chemicals, items with lead paint, and asbestos.

• Flammables: Gasoline, oil, and fuel.

• Specific Banned Items: Paint cans, electronics, batteries, tires, refrigerators, and hot water tanks.

Because rules can vary, you should always check with your specific dumpster rental company for their guidelines if you are unsure about an item.