How To Remove A Large Boxwood

Removing a large boxwood is a big job, but it’s something you can tackle with the right plan and tools.
 
If you’ve ever looked at an overgrown boxwood and wondered how to remove a large boxwood without damaging your yard, this guide covers every step you need.
 
Whether you’re clearing space for new plants or removing a diseased shrub, knowing how to remove a large boxwood safely saves time and backache.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through the best methods to remove a large boxwood, what tools you need, and how to handle the roots.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

How to Remove a Large Boxwood: The Basic Steps

Removing a large boxwood starts with preparation and choosing the right removal method.
 
Here’s the core process you’ll follow to remove a large boxwood effectively.
 

1. Assess the Boxwood Size and Root System

Before you attempt to remove a large boxwood, look at its size and where it’s planted.
 
Large boxwoods develop dense, fibrous root systems that spread wide but stay shallow.
 
Knowing this helps you decide if you can remove a large boxwood by hand or if you need mechanical help.
 
Measure the width of the canopy and the trunk diameter at the base.
 
For shrubs over 6 feet tall, plan for extra effort and possibly heavy equipment.
 

2. Gather the Right Tools

To properly remove a large boxwood, you’ll need a few essential tools.
 
A sharp pruning saw or reciprocating saw cuts through thick branches easily.
 
A sturdy shovel, digging bar, and mattock help loosen roots.
 
For very large specimens, a truck strap and a come-along winch can pull the stump out.
 
Don’t forget gloves, safety glasses, and sturdy boots.
 
Having the right gear makes it much simpler to remove a large boxwood without injury.
 

3. Cut Back the Branches

Start by cutting the foliage and branches to expose the main trunk.
 
This makes it easier to access the base and see where roots are.
 
Work from the outer tips inward, cutting branches into manageable pieces.
 
Leaving a stump about 12–18 inches tall gives you something to grip when prying.
 
Removing the heavy canopy first reduces the weight and makes digging safer.
 

Digging Out the Root Ball to Remove a Large Boxwood

Once the top is cut back, it’s time to tackle the root system.
 
This is the most labor-intensive part of learning how to remove a large boxwood.
 

1. Dig a Trench Around the Drip Line

The drip line is the edge of the branch spread.
 
Dig a trench about 12–18 inches deep around this perimeter.
 
Use a sharp shovel or spade to slice through smaller roots.
 
For thick roots, a pruning saw or loppers work better.
 
This trench isolates the root ball and lets you see the main structural roots.
 

2. Cut the Main Roots

Large boxwoods have several thick roots that anchor the plant.
 
Use a reciprocating saw with a pruning blade to cut through those.
 
Work your way around the trench, severing each major root you find.
 
Be patient — you may need to cut roots in stages as you dig deeper.
 
Cutting these roots is crucial to remove a large boxwood without tearing up your lawn.
 

3. Rock and Pry the Stump Free

After the roots are cut, try rocking the stump back and forth.
 
Use a digging bar or a long pry bar to lever the root ball upward.
 
If it resists, check for any remaining roots and cut them.
 
For extremely heavy stumps, attach a strap and use a come-along anchored to a tree or truck.
 
Once the root ball loosens, you can lift it out.
 
This method is the most reliable way to remove a large boxwood completely.
 

Alternative Methods to Remove a Large Boxwood

Not everyone wants to dig for hours.
 
Here are other ways you can remove a large boxwood.
 

1. Use a Stump Grinder

If you have access to a stump grinder, you can grind the stump and main roots away.
 
This is faster but leaves wood chips and requires cleanup.
 
Rent a grinder from a local equipment shop for a half day.
 
Grinding is an efficient option to remove a large boxwood if the stump is accessible.
 

2. Hire a Professional Landscaper

For very large boxwoods (8+ feet tall) or if you have multiple shrubs, hiring pros is worth it.
 
They have stump grinders, trucks, and experience to remove a large boxwood quickly.
 
Get quotes from two or three companies before deciding.
 
Sometimes it’s cheaper and safer to pay someone else to remove a large boxwood.
 

3. Chemical Removal (Slow but Low Effort)

You can apply a stump killer to the freshly cut stump to speed decay.
 
This is not instant; it takes months.
 
If you’re not in a hurry, this method lets nature help you remove a large boxwood.
 
Drill holes in the stump and pour in herbicide according to label directions.
 
After the stump rots, it’s easier to dig out or break apart.
 

So, How Do You Remove a Large Boxwood?

Removing a large boxwood is a strenuous but doable landscaping project.
 
You can remove a large boxwood by cutting back branches, digging a trench, severing roots, and prying the stump free.
 
Alternative methods like stump grinding or hiring a professional also work well.
 
Whichever route you choose, proper preparation and the right tools make the job faster and safer.
 
We hope this guide has helped you understand how to remove a large boxwood from your yard.
 
Now you can clear that space and plant something new.