It is a bit of a physical workout to remove a bush, but it is something any homeowner can do.Use a pickup truck to pull out the bush if you don't want to cut it.Cut the bush apart and dig to get to the roots.You will have empty ground when you are done.
Step 1: The truck needs to be back in the bush.
If you don't own a pickup truck, get one from a friend.You will need a towing hitch regardless of how much power the truck has.Don't attempt this with any vehicle smaller than a truck.You can rent a truck if you don't own one.You might not want to do this if something goes wrong.
Step 2: Wrap the chain around the bush.
Tow truck chains are strong enough for bushes.As close to the ground as possible, warp the chain around the bottom of the bush's trunk.Hold it in place by looping the end of the chain.
Step 3: The truck has a towing hitch.
The rest of the chain should be kept low to the ground.The chain must always be attached to the hitch, not the bumper.
Step 4: Everyone should be moved away from the area.
Pets and children can be taken inside the house.If the chain snaps, ask onlookers to stand back.It is for their own protection.
Step 5: Drive the truck slowly.
Roll forward lightly on the gas pedal.Stop moving once the chain is off the ground.The bush may not be completely removed at first.Don't stomp on the gas pedal.While driving fast may seem like a good idea, it can cause the chain to break as well as damage the truck or the ground.
Step 6: The bush needs to be removed before the truck can drive again.
The bush will get another tug if the chain slackens and the truck drives forward again.Continue until the bush comes out of the ground.
Step 7: Wear gloves and long-sleeved clothing.
Before you start the removal process, make sure you protect your skin.A long-sleeved shirt and long pants protect you.You can put a pair of gardening gloves over your hands.
Step 8: Hedge clippers are used to trim away smaller branches.
If you want to shear the branches, line them up between the clippers.Slowly reduce the bush's size by working from the outside.Since the thicker branches in the center get rid of the smaller ones, you don't need to remove all the outer branches.This is a quick and easy job if you use bypass loppers.You can use a hand saw.
Step 9: The branches were close to the trunk.
The center of the bush has branches.They should be cut as close to the trunk as possible.A chainsaw can be used on large bushes.Wear safety gear, including a helmet, goggles, ear defenders, and a safety mitt.Don't let the chainsaw touch the ground.
Step 10: Use a saw to cut the stump.
Slowly cut through the stump with the hand saw or pruning saw.Cut the trunk to remove the branches.The lower you can cut the trunk, the more weight you will eliminate from the rest of the bush.If you get close to the ground, don't use a chainsaw.You can stop here if you're not going to remove the roots.If you want to kill the bush stump, use a weed killer.The stump can't grow if the weed killer is not used.
Step 11: To expose the bush's roots, dig a trench.
A pointed garden shovel works well.As close to the trunk as possible.The dirt on the trunk needs to be removed before the roots can be seen.
Step 12: Cut the roots with a saw.
A saw is used to cut through most roots.A hand saw or a pair of loppers can be used.A pointed shovel can cut roots on smaller bushes if you don't have one of these.You have to cut all the roots.An axe or mattock is a viable option for chopping through the roots.
Step 13: Take a shovel and fit it under the stump.
In one spot, dig straight down.Below the soil, you can see the bottom of the bush.Put your shovel underneath it.
Step 14: The stump should be lifted with a shovel.
Push down on the shovel handle to raise the stump.Some of the roots are still attached, so it won't come out at first.Continue to dig and cut the stump.You can leverage the stump with the shovel if another person is with you.You will have more time to see and reach the remaining roots.
Step 15: Take the soil back into the hole.
The plant material should be cleared away.You can smooth out the hole by using your shovel.
Step 16: The bush parts should be recycled.
There are some garbage collection services that accept bundled branches.Check your service contract if you want to find out.Place the pieces in a yard waste bag and drive them to the nearest recycling center if they don't.Check your town's website for rules on recycling as well as the locations of any nearby centers accepting organic yard waste.Try to compost it for your plants.
Step 17: Remove the branches from the tree.
Start on the outside of the tree.The saw can be used to do this.
Step 18: There is a trench around the bush.
To expose the bush's roots, use your pointed shovel or garden shovel.To expose the roots on all sides, dig all the way around the bush.
Step 19: The roots should be cut with an axe.
The exposed roots should be severed with an axe or mattock.You can do this with a pointed shovel or saw if you don't have one.
Step 20: Place the boards on the side of the bush.
There are two or three flat boards on either side of the bush.The jack can raise the bush with the help of the boards.
Step 21: There is a jack stand on the side of the bush.
There are Jack stands in auto parts stores.The lifting arm should be facing upwards to place it on one of the plywood board stacks.Stack 2 or 3 concrete blocks on top of the plywood if you don't have a jack stand.
Step 22: The jack should be on the other side of the bush.
The jack should be on the other stack.It's important to use a strong jack.The jack should have a mechanical arm that you can crank while standing behind it.Scissor jacks are often packaged with cars.They are only designed to lift your specific type of car.
Step 23: A wood beam is placed over the jack and jack stand.
A 4 in 6 in beam is the standard size, but you may need a longer one for bigger bushes.Rest one end on the jack stand.
Step 24: Attach the stump to the beam with a towing chain.
Make sure the towing chain is not damaged.Get a new one at an auto parts store if it is.Run one end of the chain around the beam and down to the stump.Wrap it around the stump and tighten it.
Step 25: Put on goggles and clear the area.
The beam and chain are going to be under a lot of pressure.If this happens, wear eye protection.Children, pets, and onlookers should be far away from each other or inside.
Step 26: To raise it, crank the jack.
The jack has a mechanical arm on it.The stump will be lifted by the arm.Put some wood blocks on the jack's arm if the stump doesn't lift enough.
Step 27: Saw off the roots.
Get a cutting implement that you used before.Lower the jack to make it easier to sever the roots.Roll the stump out of the hole when you are done.