How Hard Is It To Remove Boxwoods

Removing boxwoods can be quite hard depending on the size and age of the shrubs.
 
If you have mature boxwoods with thick roots, it is definitely a challenging project.
 
But how hard is it to remove boxwoods really comes down to a few key factors.
 
Small young boxwoods can be pulled out in minutes with the right approach.
 
Large established boxwoods often require serious digging and some muscle power.
 
In this post, we will break down exactly how hard it is to remove boxwoods and what you need to get the job done.
 
Let’s take a closer look at the process so you know what to expect.
 

How Hard Is It To Remove Boxwoods by Hand

When asking how hard is it to remove boxwoods, the first thing to consider is the removal method.
 
Hand removal works well for small boxwoods but gets much harder with larger plants.
 

1. Small Boxwoods Are Easier to Remove

If your boxwoods are under two feet tall, you can usually remove them by hand.
 
You simply dig around the base with a shovel and loosen the soil.
 
Then you grip the trunk firmly and pull upward while wiggling the plant.
 
The roots of small boxwoods are not deeply anchored yet.
 
This means it is not very hard to remove boxwoods that are still young.
 
You might need a helper if the soil is heavy clay.
 
But overall, small boxwoods come out with moderate effort.
 

2. Large Boxwoods Are Significantly Harder to Remove

The real challenge begins when you ask how hard is it to remove boxwoods that are mature.
 
Large boxwoods can have root systems that extend three feet deep or more.
 
The roots also spread wide and tangle with neighboring plants.
 
You will need to dig a trench around the entire root ball first.
 
This can take thirty minutes to an hour per shrub.
 
Once the trench is dug, you still have to sever thick woody roots with a saw or pruners.
 
Then you need to pry the root ball out of the ground.
 
That is why many homeowners say it is very hard to remove boxwoods at this size.
 

3. Root Depth Adds to How Hard It Is to Remove Boxwoods

Boxwoods develop a dense fibrous root system over time.
 
The taproot is not extremely deep, but the lateral roots spread aggressively.
 
When you dig, you will encounter roots that wrap around rocks and other obstacles.
 
This adds a lot of time and effort to the removal process.
 
The deeper the roots go, the harder it is to remove boxwoods from the ground.
 
In some cases, you may need to cut the shrub into sections and remove pieces separately.
 
That technique makes the job slightly more manageable.
 

Tools That Make It Less Hard to Remove Boxwoods

Using the right tools can significantly reduce how hard it is to remove boxwoods.
 
Without proper equipment, even small boxwoods can become frustrating.
 

1. A Sharp Shovel Is Non-Negotiable

A sharp spade or shovel cuts through soil and roots much easier.
 
Dull blades just bounce off roots and make the work twice as hard.
 
Sharpen your shovel before you start and it becomes less hard to remove boxwoods.
 

2. A Root Saw or Pruning Saw Helps a Lot

Thick boxwood roots require a saw to cut through them.
 
A pruning saw with a curved blade works great for tight spaces.
 
Using a saw to sever roots reduces how hard it is to remove boxwoods significantly.
 

3. A Pickaxe or Mattock Breaks Up Compacted Soil

If your soil is rocky or compacted, a pickaxe will save your back.
 
It breaks up hard ground so you can dig out the root ball more easily.
 
This tool is a lifesaver when you are wondering how hard is it to remove boxwoods from tough soil.
 

4. A Truck or Tractor Makes Removal Trivial

For large boxwoods, you can use a truck, tractor, or winch to pull them out.
 
Wrap a chain or strap around the base of the shrub.
 
Then slowly pull the boxwood out of the ground with the vehicle.
 
This method makes it almost not hard to remove boxwoods at all.
 
But you need to clear the area of anything the chain could damage.
 

How Hard Is It to Remove Boxwoods Compared to Other Shrubs

Some shrubs are much easier to remove than boxwoods.
 
Comparing them helps you understand where boxwoods fall on the difficulty scale.
 

1. Boxwoods Are Harder Than Soft-Stemmed Shrubs

Shrubs like hydrangeas have softer, less woody root systems.
 
They come out of the ground much faster than boxwoods.
 
So when people ask how hard is it to remove boxwoods, the answer is harder than hydrangeas.
 

2. Boxwoods Are Similar to Hollies in Difficulty

Hollies have dense root balls that resemble boxwoods.
 
Both require serious digging and cutting to remove.
 
If you have removed hollies before, you know how hard it is to remove boxwoods too.
 

3. Boxwoods Are Easier Than Trees but Harder Than Annuals

Trees have much larger and deeper root systems than boxwoods.
 
So boxwoods are definitely easier than removing a tree stump.
 
But they are much harder than pulling out annual flowers.
 
That middle ground is why so many people search how hard is it to remove boxwoods before starting.
 

So, How Hard Is It to Remove Boxwoods?

How hard is it to remove boxwoods depends on their size, age, and your tools.
 
Small boxwoods are not very hard and can be removed in under an hour.
 
Large boxwoods are significantly harder and can take half a day or more.
 
The soil type and root depth also affect how hard it is to remove boxwoods in your yard.
 
With sharp tools and a good plan, even large boxwoods can be removed successfully.
 
If you use a vehicle or heavy equipment, the job becomes almost easy.
 
So while it is hard to remove boxwoods by hand when they are mature, the right approach makes it manageable.
 
We hope this post helped you understand exactly how hard it is to remove boxwoods and what you need to tackle the project.