How To Remove Boxwood Roots

You can remove boxwood roots by using a combination of manual digging, cutting, and sometimes chemical treatments.
 
If you’ve planted boxwood shrubs and later decided to get rid of them, you’ve probably wondered how to remove boxwood roots without damaging your yard.
 
The good news is that removing boxwood roots is totally doable with the right approach and a bit of patience.
 
Boxwood roots tend to grow shallow but spread wide, so knowing how to remove boxwood roots efficiently saves you time and backache.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through effective methods for removing boxwood roots, the best tools to use, and tips to make the job easier.
 
Let’s get into it.

How to Remove Boxwood Roots

The best way to remove boxwood roots depends on the size of the shrub and how long it’s been in the ground.
 
Smaller boxwood plants with shallow roots can often be pulled out by hand or with a shovel.
 
Larger, established bushes need more effort, but here are the most reliable methods for removing boxwood roots.

1. Manual Digging

Manual digging is the most straightforward method to remove boxwood roots.
 
Start by cutting the boxwood shrub down to a few inches above the ground using loppers or a pruning saw.
 
Then dig a trench around the stump, about 12 to 18 inches away from the base.
 
Use a sturdy shovel or a digging bar to loosen the soil and expose the root ball.
 
Boxwood roots are fibrous and dense, so you’ll need to cut through them with a sharp spade or an axe.
 
Once you’ve freed the main root ball, you can lift it out using the shovel as a lever.
 
This method works well for shrubs up to a few years old and is the most environmentally friendly way to remove boxwood roots.

2. Using a Stump Grinder

If you’re dealing with a large, mature boxwood, renting a stump grinder can make removing boxwood roots much faster.
 
A stump grinder chips away the wood below the soil line, grinding the roots into mulch.
 
You’ll need to clear rocks and debris from the area first, as the machine’s teeth can be damaged.
 
This method is great when you need to remove boxwood roots from a bed you plan to replant right away.
 
But keep in mind that stump grinders are heavy and require some experience to operate safely.

3. Chemical Root Removal

For stubborn roots that you can’t dig out, chemical herbicides can help you remove boxwood roots.
 
Cut the boxwood stump as low as possible and drill several holes into the top and sides of the stump.
 
Pour a glyphosate-based herbicide into the holes, following the product instructions carefully.
 
This kills the roots over several weeks, making them easier to pull out or rot away.
 
Chemical methods are best when you’re not in a hurry and want minimal physical labor for removing boxwood roots.

4. Pulling with a Winch or Truck

Another heavy-duty way to remove boxwood roots is by using a winch attached to a sturdy tree or a truck.
 
Tie a chain or heavy strap around the base of the boxwood stump, then slowly apply tension.
 
This method works especially well for large root balls that are already partially exposed by digging.
 
Be very careful with this technique, as chains can snap or the stump can fly up unexpectedly when removing boxwood roots.

Best Tools for Removing Boxwood Roots

Having the right gear makes the job of removing boxwood roots safer and more efficient.
 
You don’t need a full arsenal of expensive equipment, but a few key tools will save you time.

1. Shovel and Spade

A sharp, flat-nosed shovel is essential for loosening soil around boxwood roots.
 
A spade with a straight edge is great for cutting through the fibrous roots without too much effort.

2. Pruning Saw or Loppers

You’ll need a sharp pruning saw or heavy-duty loppers to cut the boxwood branches and main roots.
 
Loppers with long handles give you extra leverage when cutting thick roots.

3. Axe or Mattock

An axe or mattock is helpful for chopping through particularly thick boxwood roots that a shovel can’t handle.
 
A mattock has a pick on one side, which is perfect for breaking up compacted soil around roots.

4. Stump Grinder or Chainsaw (Optional)

For large stumps, renting a stump grinder is worth the cost.
 
Alternatively, a chainsaw can cut the stump into smaller pieces that are easier to remove by hand.

Steps to Remove Boxwood Roots Efficiently

Follow these steps to remove boxwood roots quickly and with minimal damage to your garden.

Step 1: Water the Soil the Day Before

Watering the ground around the boxwood roots softens the soil and makes digging easier.
 
Do this a day before you plan to start removing boxwood roots.

Step 2: Cut the Shrub Down

Use loppers or a pruning saw to cut the boxwood bush down to a short stump, leaving about 6 inches.
 
You’ll have better access to the roots once the top growth is gone.

Step 3: Dig Around the Root Ball

Dig a circular trench around the stump, aiming for a radius of about 12 to 18 inches.
 
Cut any roots you encounter with your spade or loppers as you go.

Step 4: Lever the Root Ball Out

Once most roots are cut, use your shovel to pry the root ball upward.
 
If it’s still stuck, cut more roots until the ball loosens.
 
Then lift the entire root ball out of the hole.

Step 5: Fill the Hole and Dispose

Fill the hole with fresh soil or compost.
 
You can dispose of the boxwood roots in green waste or chop them up for composting (just remove all soil first).

So, How to Remove Boxwood Roots?

You can remove boxwood roots by manual digging, using a stump grinder, applying chemical treatments, or pulling with a winch.
 
The method you choose depends on the size of the bush and how much effort you’re willing to put into removing boxwood roots.
 
For most homeowners, manual digging with a shovel and loppers is the simplest and most cost-effective way to remove boxwood roots.
 
If the roots are old and deep, a stump grinder or chemical approach will save you time.
 
Whichever method you pick, plan ahead, use the right tools, and work carefully to get rid of those boxwood roots for good.
 
Enjoy your newly cleared garden space.