Whether you’re looking to clear out some space in your yard or move your privet to a better spot, getting those roots out of the ground is a must. Even though privet is a shallow-rooted plant, don’t let that fool you—digging them up can be a pretty big project!
Privet is a Shallow-Rooted Shrub
Privet is technically a shallow-rooted plant. This means the roots don’t dive deep into the earth; instead, they stay just a few inches below the surface. However, they love to spread out horizontally, which can make the removal process surprisingly time-consuming and a bit of a workout.
Why You Need to Remove the Roots
If you’ve decided to say goodbye to your privet for good, or if you’re planning on transplanting it to a new home, you have to dig up the entire root system. Leaving bits behind isn’t an option if you want the job done right.
How to Tackle Root Removal
The difficulty of the job really depends on how established the root system is. Generally, I categorize this into two groups:
- Young privet plants
- Older, established privet plants
Removing Roots from Young Privet
If your privet is still on the younger side, you’re in luck! The roots haven’t had the chance to become a dense, tangled web yet, and they usually stay pretty close to the base of the plant. You can typically pop these right out of the ground using a sturdy garden fork without much trouble.
Removing Roots from Older Privet
Now, if you’re dealing with an old, established hedge, things get a little more “interesting.” These roots are thick, woody, and spread out like crazy. Honestly, getting every single root out perfectly intact is nearly impossible. For these heavy-duty jobs, you’ll want to grab a sharp spade. If you’re dealing with a massive hedge, you might even consider renting a small excavator or using a winch to do the heavy lifting.
When to Call in the Pros
Before you start digging up a long, mature privet hedge, take a second to think about the manual labor involved. It’s a lot of sweat! If it feels like too much, don’t hesitate to call a local landscaping company. They have the professional-grade tools and the experience to get the job done quickly and efficiently.
Don’t Leave a Trace!
Here is my biggest tip: make sure you get every single piece of the root out of the soil. Privet is incredibly resilient—even a tiny fragment left behind can sprout and start a whole new plant. If you don’t want “surprise” privet popping up next season, be extra diligent and sift through the soil to clear out every last bit.
