I recently helped my parents with their gardening, and I discovered that the bushes they wanted to remove are anchored by really deep roots. Despite spending an hour digging, I didn't make much progress, and even my cousin, who's got more experience, is stumped. There are about 20 bushes, and I can't use expensive machinery. Any tips on how to tackle this problem without breaking the bank?
3 Answers
You could definitely rent a mini-excavator if you're willing to spend a bit. It’ll save you a lot of time and effort. Sometimes, rental places have promotions where you can rent it on a Friday and keep it over the weekend at no extra cost, so you'll want to check that out. But if you want to stick to hand tools, a spade fork or digging bar is definitely your best friend here!
In this case, a solid forged spade or a mattock might be your best bet. Those tools can really help you dig out stubborn roots, but it’s definitely hard work. If you can, get a buddy to help out, as two pairs of hands will make it a lot easier. Just be prepared for it to take longer than an hour, especially if you have a lot of bushes to deal with!
You might want to try using a digging bar, which is super helpful for breaking through tough roots. You could also look into renting some tools from places like Home Depot or Lowe's instead of buying them. If you're open to using chemicals, there are some options that can help break down the roots, but be cautious about the safety of those products. Just remember, it might take some time and a lot of effort! Good luck!