How To Get Rid Of Large Boxwoods

How to get rid of large boxwoods starts with understanding that removing them can be a tough job.
 
If you’re staring at an overgrown hedge that’s taken over your yard, knowing how to get rid of large boxwoods is essential before they crowd out other plants.
 
These shrubs develop dense root systems and heavy woody trunks that don’t just pull out easily.
 
But don’t worry, with the right approach you can learn how to get rid of large boxwoods without wrecking your back or your landscape.
 
In this post, we’ll cover the best methods for getting rid of large boxwoods, what tools you’ll need, and how to handle the aftermath so your garden looks clean.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

How to Get Rid of Large Boxwoods by Cutting and Digging

The most direct way to get rid of large boxwoods is to cut them down and dig out the roots.
 
This method is labor‑intensive but gives you complete control and immediate results.
 
If you’re serious about how to get rid of large boxwoods for good, you’ll need to follow these steps carefully.
 

1. Start With Heavy Pruning

Before you can get rid of large boxwoods, you need to reduce their above‑ground size.
 
Use loppers or a pruning saw to cut back all the branches to about 12 inches tall.
 
This makes the shrub lighter and gives you better access to the trunk and roots.
 
Wear thick gloves and safety glasses, because boxwood branches can snap back and scratch you.
 

2. Cut the Main Trunk Into Sections

Large boxwoods often have multiple trunks, and they’re heavy.
 
To make getting rid of large boxwoods easier, saw the main trunks into manageable chunks.
 
A chainsaw works best for thick wood, but a reciprocating saw will also get the job done.
 
Remove each section and set it aside for disposal or composting.
 

3. Dig Around the Root Ball

Now you need to expose the root system.
 
Use a sharp shovel or a mattock to cut a trench about 12–18 inches out from the stump.
 
This is the crucial part of how to get rid of large boxwoods – you have to sever the main anchor roots.
 
For really large specimens, a digging bar or pickaxe helps break through tough soil.
 

4. Lever the Stump Out

Once you’ve loosened the roots, use a long pry bar or a farm jack to lift the stump.
 
Work from each side, rocking the stump until it breaks free from the soil.
 
This step in how to get rid of large boxwoods takes the most strength, but it’s very effective.
 
You may need a helper to pull with a truck strap attached to the stump and a sturdy anchor.
 

Alternative Methods to Get Rid of Large Boxwoods Without Digging

If digging sounds too exhausting, there are other ways to get rid of large boxwoods that involve less heavy labor.
 
These methods take longer but can be gentler on your body and your yard.
 

1. Use a Stump Grinder

Renting a stump grinder is a fast way to get rid of large boxwoods without manual digging.
 
Grind the stump down to about 6 inches below the soil surface.
 
This method eliminates the bulk of the root system, though some fine roots may remain.
 
You can then fill the hole with topsoil and plant something new right away.
 

2. Apply a Chemical Stump Remover

For a low‑effort approach to how to get rid of large boxwoods, use a herbicide formulated for stump removal.
 
Drill several deep holes into the fresh cut stump and pour the chemical into each hole.
 
The chemical speeds up decomposition of the wood, making it easier to break apart after a few weeks.
 
This method won’t remove the stump instantly, but it softens it so you can chop it out later.
 

3. Smother the Boxwoods With Tarps

If you’re not in a hurry, you can slowly get rid of large boxwoods by blocking all sunlight.
 
Cut the shrubs to ground level, then cover the area with heavy black plastic or landscaping tarp.
 
Weight down the edges with rocks or soil.
 
Over six months to a year, the roots will die from lack of energy, and you can remove the tarp and dig out the dead wood easily.
 

What to Do After You Get Rid of Large Boxwoods

Once you’ve succeeded in how to get rid of large boxwoods, your garden will have a big empty space.
 
Don’t just leave the soil bare; follow these steps to restore the area.
 

1. Remove All Root Debris

Even after getting rid of large boxwoods, small roots remain in the soil.
 
Rake out as many pieces as you can to prevent regrowth and to make planting easier.
 

2. Amend the Soil

Boxwoods can lower soil pH over time.
 
Test the soil and add lime if needed to bring it back to neutral.
 
Mix in compost or well‑rotted manure to replenish nutrients that the shrubs depleted.
 

3. Choose New Plants

Now that you know how to get rid of large boxwoods, consider planting something easier to maintain.
 
Native perennials, ornamental grasses, or smaller evergreens are great options that won’t outgrow their space.
 
Water the new plants well and mulch the area to keep weeds down.
 

So, How to Get Rid of Large Boxwoods?

How to get rid of large boxwoods is a physical job, but it’s doable with the right tools and patience.
 
The most direct method is to cut the shrub down, dig out the root ball, and then fill in the hole.
 
Alternatives like stump grinding, chemical removers, or smothering offer less strenuous ways to get rid of large boxwoods.
 
Whichever route you choose, make sure you prepare the soil afterward so your garden thrives in the new space.
 
Now you have a clear plan for how to get rid of large boxwoods and reclaim your yard.
 
Happy digging!