Digging up a large Arborvitae (Thuja) is no walk in the park—it’s a serious workout! The same goes for an entire hedge. It’s definitely easier if you’re just dealing with a small tree or if you plan on removing the Thuja entirely rather than trying to save it.
What should you consider before digging up an Arborvitae?
As they get older, Arborvitae don’t just get taller; they put on a lot of “weight” too. To remove a massive tree, you might actually need heavy machinery or a winch. On the flip side, a small, young specimen can usually be handled with standard garden tools and a little elbow grease.
If you’re dealing with a hedge, keep in mind that the roots tend to grow together and become quite dense over time, which makes removal a bit of a puzzle. You can always hire a professional landscaping crew to handle it. Sure, it adds to the cost, but it saves you a ton of time, and they’ll usually take care of the disposal for you.
How do you dig up an Arborvitae?
Before you grab your shovel, you need to decide which route you’re taking:
- Transplanting the tree to a new spot
- Removing it with the root ball intact
- Digging it out without worrying about the roots
Pro tip: Water your Arborvitae deeply about three days before you start. Moist soil is much easier to work with, and the roots will slide out of the ground more smoothly.
Digging up an Arborvitae for transplanting
If you want to move your tree to a new location, you have to be extra careful with the root system. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a spade to cut a vertical circle into the soil around the tree.
- Use a garden fork to gently lift the root ball.
- Give the trunk a few good shakes to help loosen the roots from the dirt.
- Carefully pull the tree out of the ground by the base of the trunk.
- Get it into its new home as soon as possible. If you can’t plant it right away, wrap the roots in burlap to keep them moist.
Removing an Arborvitae completely
If you’re just looking to get rid of a tree or a hedge for good, you can be a bit more aggressive. Start by cutting the Thuja way back. Make sure to leave a decent-sized stump—you’ll want that leverage if you need to pull the root system out with a winch. You don’t technically *have* to remove every single root since they won’t sprout new growth, but you should definitely fill the hole with fresh soil once you’re done.
