Bush removal (and getting rid of clover)?

[Liberty Belle]

I've never had any kind of landscaping done. We bought this house 3 months ago and there are six large bushes in front of our house. I have no idea what they're called, but they're that most common, kind of out-dated type.

I'd like to get them removed, so I can plant some smaller, prettier plants. Is it very difficult to remove them ourselves? If so, does anyone here know approximately how much it costs for removal?

Also, we have a little over a third of an acre and the grass is full of clover. What's the easiest way of getting rid of it?

Thanks!

 

[BunsenH]

The roots of mature bushes can be a bear to fully remove.

Hint:
If you try to remove them yourselves. leave 2-4 feet of 'trunk' above the ground to use as a lever to wrench out the roots.

I did a few and then turned it over to a pro. One side of our house, about 20 plants removed/moved/added, cost about $1500?

No hint on the clover.

 

[Liberty Belle]

The roots of mature bushes can be a bear to fully remove.

Hint:
If you try to remove them yourselves. leave 2-4 feet of 'trunk' above the ground to use as a lever to wrench out the roots.

I did a few and then turned it over to a pro. One side of our house, about 20 plants removed/moved/added, cost about $1500?

No hint on the clover.

Thank you! I'm probably not up for it, but my husband may be. Hmm...maybe it would be worth it just to hand it all to a pro to do.

 

[Pixie Dust for Me!]

Best way to get rid of clover is to crowd it out with grass...no I'm not kidding! We had the same problem when we moved 5 years ago. A good friend is a horticulturalist and landscape architect. He recommended that we have the lawn professionally thatched and aerated in the fall, spread pelletized gypsum (we have a lot of clay in our soil) and then throw a ton (not quite literally) of new grass seed (Champion 3+3) on the law in the fall and spring every year. Well finally this year, we have the best lawn on the block and NO CLOVER!

Good luck!

 

[Pakey]

I would call a tree removal service to come out and do a FREE estimate. We just had 3 trees removed at the rental property we purchased and we were charged anywhere from $225 to $300 per tree (they removed the trees and hauled them off and ground the stumps) depending on the size.

The consultation and estimate were free. We were not pressured, just given a written estimate and told to call into the office to schedule payment/appointment for the service if we were interested. It was much cheaper than we had anticipated.

 

[Cantw8]

bush removal can be a real pain you really should seek out a professional

 

[The Mystery Machine]

How old is the house? I mean are these old bushes or somewhat newly planted?

Old bushes are a PITA to remove, but doable. Lots of digging out the roots and then preparing the area to be landscaped.

Make sure you call "DIG RITE" so you don't hit any utility lines. Esp if this is a new house.

Clover can be killed with easily with something like "Scotts Weed and Feed".

 

[Lanshark]

I turned it over to my teenage son who wanted to make some money.

 

[ntsammy5]

 

[mrsv98]

It depends on how handy you are really. I did ours in front and I am not a big person. First I cut all the branches off in manageable pieces. Then I used a chain saw to methodically work on the roots. I had to dig out around the larger pieces but I was able to. My BIL did come over, hook a chain over a large root section and yank it our with his pickup truck, but that was after I had done all the others!

I try and save money on the smaller stuff and pay for the big trees I can't reach myself. Good luck!

 

[JR6ooo4]

weed and feed is what you want for clover. Or a hundred bunnies.

apply when grass is moist, the granules stick to leaves wider than a blade of grass. that is how it decides what to kill.

for the bushes. you could just cut them off and hope the roots do not sprout new life. then just let them decay over the years.

Good advice to call a utility location service, which is free here in Illinois, to help insure you do not cut or damage wires or pipes when doing the work.

If you hire someone they may attach a chain to the stump and pull them out with a truck or bobcat, along with your gas main service line!!!

Mikeeee

 

[Cantw8]

what are you laughing at

 

[Tina]

We wanted to remove some mature, over-grown juniper bushes at our old house. DH took a saw and cut them back to just a few branches and stems. Then we had a neighbor come over with his Ford Bronco and a big, heavy chain. They wrapped the chain around the bushes (one at a time) and hit the gas. On the first yank, I thought the wheels were going to come off the truck. It took quite a bit of time, spinning wheels, perspiration and macho attitude, but they finally came out, one by one. Good luck to you!! I hope they're not mature junipers.

 

[wendy46001]

I'd get a professional to remove the bush...we tried to remove a small palm once and have vowed never to attempt such a thing again...

as for the clover...my theory is if its green and matches the grass … it can stay

 

[Liberty Belle]

Thanks for the advice.

We have tons of bunnies in our neighborhood (we're one subdivision over from Rabbit Run sub., and it's aptly named). The Weed and Feed wouldn't hurt the bunnies, would it?

 

[Liberty Belle]

I didn't find the name, but they look like these (only bigger):

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Yews.

Removal is a process. First cut them back to the ground. Then you can begin the process of digging out the roots and getting it ready to landscape.

It will take you awhile. Even if you hire someone you are still going to have to prepare the bed for landscaping.

If you cut them back to the ground they may still revive and then you will have small bushes.

I am just throwing that out there.