Who Should I Call To Remove Bushes?

Removing a bush can be a bigger job than expected

A house with a front yard with bushes
Photo: ucpage / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
A house with a front yard with bushes
Photo: ucpage / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
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Knowing who to call to remove bushes when necessary is essential for attaining professional results. Several reasons, from a diseased plant to landscaping changes, may require the need for professional bush removal. While several types of contractors may be able to perform the work, hiring a professional tree and bush removal specialist will ensure you get the results you need to keep your landscaping in top shape after the job.

Even though bush removal may seem like an insignificant task in the scope of your yard landscaping, taking time to obtain at least three quotes from various providers can not only result in getting the best value for your money but may provide insight into your options after or during the project.

Benefits of Hiring a Bush Removal Pro for Removing Bushes

Identifying a professional who can safely remove a bush and leave the area usable for its next purpose might be a matter of the bush's condition and how you plan to use the space it leaves behind.If the aesthetics of the end result aren't of concern because the space will contain new construction, there may be fewer questions to ask your service provider, and selection may not be as critical. However, hiring the right pro for the job is essential if you plan to use the space to improve your landscaping.

A local bush and shrub removal company is your best option to do the work. Unlike killing a tree to remove it, bush removal can be a complex process. Many bushes will send up sprouts after removing the main plant. That means dealing with live roots must be part of the removal plan.

A professional bush removal service will gauge the project's scope, account for how you'll use the space left behind, and create a removal plan that accommodates any other considerations, such as adding new landscaping as part of the project.

Bushes take years to reach maturity. Sometimes, a bush may appear sickly, and its removal seems imminent. However, for a bush you love, you may consider contacting a bush removal specialist to see if it's salvageable before deciding to eliminate it. On the other hand, if you're certain that the bush must go, You'll need to decide how you're going to fill the void it leaves when it's gone. Another benefit of hiring a bush removal professional to do the work is that they may have excellent ideas or advice for the space.

Can I DIY Bush Removal?

Close-up of a person removing a bush
Photo: qwartm / Adobe Stock

It’s possible to DIY kill unwanted bushes, but it’ll require an investment of your time and effort. The primary options for DIY bush removal are manually removing it, applying herbicides, a controlled burn, or blocking out the sunlight from it. While these removal techniques yield positive results, they typically require much more time, up to several weeks.

On the other hand, hiring a professional bush removal service ensures that the shrubs are gone quickly, efficiently, and safely. Plus, professional bush removers know the proper techniques and steps required to eliminate any leftover root systems to prevent it from regrowing in the same spot.

Can I Hire a Tree Removal Pro for Bush Removal?

In addition to bush removal companies, tree removal companies may also be an option for this type of project. Tree removal services typically have similar types of equipment and skills necessary to remove unwanted bushes or shrubs from your property.

Particularly important in situations where you plan to improve your landscaping after bush removal and need a clean starting point, checking your pro's references can be helpful to ensure they have bush-removal experience. Ask your professional for nearby customer references with contact information to ensure they do high-quality bush removal work. 

Also, consider asking your contractor for a copy of their state license and insurance information. Reputable companies will be happy to provide the information on request. 

Since you're removing a bush instead of trying to maintain it, the project's timing isn't likely very critical the way other bush-related tasks can be, like knowing when to trim bushes, for instance. However, here are a few tips for hiring a tree or bush contractor to ensure you receive the best service possible with the best results.

  • Get three quotes anytime you're hiring a new service professional.

  • Ensure you and the contractor understand the project scope fully.

  • Despite the fact that the project consists of removing a large plant, treat the job and the tasks of identifying a qualified contractor as if it were more than that. Removing a bush can be a complex task, and underestimating the project's size can cause issues. 

  • Ask your contractor about the steps of the project so you know what to expect.

  • Ensure you and your contractor understand how the area will look after the removal and cleanup steps.

  • Heavy equipment may be necessary to remove the bush. Ask how the crew will protect your lawn or other landscaping from damage during the work. 

  • Ask your contractor how they plan to clean up any dirt or debris after the project. 

How Do Bush Removal Pros Remove Bushes?

You can expect bush removal pros to follow these steps when getting rid of shrubbery on your property:

  1. Put on safety equipment, including protective eyewear and clothing.

  2. Trim the outer branches to easily access inner branches.

  3. Cut close to the trunk using a hand saw or chainsaw.

  4. Cut the stump as close to the ground as possible.

  5. Dig a trench around the base of the bush to reveal the roots.

  6. Cut through the roots using loppers or a hand saw.

  7. Remove the stump.

  8. Fill in the hole with mulch or wood chips.

After bush removal is complete, inspect the area for cleanliness and project completion as the contract or agreement states. After inspection, make the final payment and begin your project to fill in the void if necessary. Your contractor may ask for a referral from you. Only agree to share your information and provide consent if satisfied with the work and willing to field occasional reference calls.

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