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While you can leave roots in the ground, if you don’t want the shrub to regrow again over time, it’s best not to leave any roots behind. Ensure you remove as much of the shrub as possible, including the root ball and any main roots you can see, to prevent new growth. Some gardeners opt for using a chemical treatment to prevent the stump from growing back, but this can kill beneficial microorganisms living in your soil.

Several tools exist that can help remove unwanted grass. The one you choose depends greatly on how much you need to remove and how hard you'd like to work. A sod or turf cutter is the fastest method while using a shovel is labor-intensive and much slower. You may also need a garden rake, tiller, and wheelbarrow. 

A thorn bush isn’t likely to do serious damage, but it’ll definitely hurt if you get a thorn or two in your hand or arm. When removing thorn bushes, always wear thick gloves, long sleeves, and safety goggles to protect against thorns and dirt. If dealing with larger bushes or unfamiliar terrain, consider enlisting a helper for assistance.

If you want to remove a bush that’s located on top of utility lines, you’ll need to call your local utility company to determine the best course of action. If you can’t dig out your stump its roots, cutting a bush off at ground level might be the best you can do. Adding a planter over top of the cut branch or planting something else around the stump can cover the area while the stump decomposes.