The Best Ways to Effectively Kill an Unwanted Hedge

Hedges can be attractive landscape features that provide privacy and natural fences. But over time, they can become unruly and require too much maintenance. If your hedge has gotten out of control or you want to remove it for a new landscape design, you may need to kill the hedge. Getting rid of an established hedge completely is challenging, but there are methods that work. This guide covers the most effective ways to kill and remove unwanted hedges for good.

Timing Removal in Dormant Season

The first key point when removing a hedge is timing. It’s best to kill and take out a hedge during the late fall or winter when it is dormant. At this time, the plant has drawn energy down into its root system and is not actively growing above ground. Any herbicide applied now will travel down better into the roots to kill the plant.

Trying to kill a hedge during spring or summer when growth is vigorous makes the process harder and risks herbicide drifting onto other plants. Wait for the dormant season for best results.

Cutting the Hedge Down to Ground Level

The initial step is cutting the hedge all the way down to the base. Use sharp bypass loppers, pruning shears, or a chainsaw to cut off all branches and stems at ground level. Wear protective clothing like gloves, long sleeves, pants and goggles when using power tools.

Cut pieces into manageable sizes for easier disposal later. Gather up all the cuttings promptly and dispose of properly. Check your local waste rules for plant debris disposal.

With the top growth removed, you’ll have clear access to treat the stumps.

Applying Herbicide to Stumps

After cutting down the hedge, you need to treat the stumps and remaining roots to prevent regrowth An effective herbicide applied correctly to fresh stumps will kill the plant’s root system

Good herbicide options include

• Glyphosate – The popular weedkiller Roundup works when applied to fresh cut stumps. Use a concentrated 41-50% glyphosate product without extra additives.

• Triclopyr – Sold as Garlon, Pathway, or Element 3A, this chemical kills woody plants like hedges. Use an amine formulated product.

• Imazapyr – Sold as Arsenal, Chopper, or Polaris, this herbicide is absorbed well by woody plants. Stick to amine salt formulations.

Carefully read and follow herbicide product labels for proper use. Wear chemical-resistant gloves, long sleeves, pants and eye protection when handling. Avoid contact with desired plants.

Application Methods

You can apply herbicide solutions using:

• Spraying – Use a pump spray bottle or backpack sprayer to saturate the freshly cut surface. Avoid runoff.

• Painting – Brush concentrated herbicide directly onto the stump’s outer ring and cambium layer just inside the bark.

• Drilling – For very large stumps, drill angled holes every 6 inches around the stump and fill with herbicide.

Treat stumps within minutes of cutting for optimal uptake into the vascular system.

Destroying the Root System

In addition to the stumps, the hedge’s roots need to be killed off to prevent new shoots. Options for root destruction include:

• Grinding – Rent a stump grinder to chew up roots into small pieces. Remove as much of the root ball as possible.

• Digging – Shovel or excavate out as much of the root system as feasible. This is labor intensive but thorough.

• Herbicide treatment – Drench remaining roots with herbicide concentrate. This will kill any roots left behind.

• Solarization – Cover the root zone with clear plastic sheeting to solarize and kill roots with heat buildup over weeks.

Completely removing or killing roots is key to prevent regrowth. Be as thorough as possible here.

Disposing of the Hedge Debris

Proper disposal of the hedge waste is the final step. Choices include:

• Hauling debris to a waste management site, dump, or composting facility

• Chipping or shredding smaller pieces for garden mulch

• Burning waste, if allowed by local ordinances

• Burying pieces on your property, if space permits

Do not just leave hedge trimmings sitting around, as they can promote pests and diseases. Prompt debris removal is important.

Alternative Organic Kill Methods

While herbicides are most effective, some organic alternatives to kill hedges include:

• Smothering – Cover the hedge with thick black plastic or layered newspaper sheets to block sun and smother it over weeks.

• Salt – Drench the root zone with a concentrated salt water solution. The salt leaches nutrients to gradually kill the plant.

• Boiling water – Pour boiling water over the hedge’s root area to scald plant tissues. Repeat as needed.

• Flame weeding – Use a propane torch to scorch and burn leaves, stems and stumps at close range.

However, these organic methods take more time, repetitions, and may not fully kill the roots.

Calling a Professional

Removing a massive, overgrown hedge is very difficult, so consider hiring a professional landscaper if:

• The hedge is exceptionally large, dense or on a slope

• You lack the proper power tools and safety equipment

• Hauling away debris is not possible for you

• Roots need excavating with heavy machinery

• You are uncomfortable using herbicides

Weigh your abilities and decide if contracting a pro makes sense. They can remove old hedges efficiently.

Replacement Plantings

Once the hedge is dead and gone, think about what you want to plant in its place. Possibilities include:

• A new, lower maintenance hedge species

• Garden beds for fruits, vegetables or flowers

• Trees, shrubs or ornamental grasses

• A patio, deck or sitting area

• A water feature like a pond or fountain

• Open lawn space

Get creative with something you’ll truly enjoy in the newly opened up area.

Key Tips for Killing Hedges

Follow these tips when tackling the removal of an overgrown, unwanted hedge:

• Time the project for late fall or winter when the hedge is dormant

• Cut back all top growth down to the ground

• Quickly apply concentrated herbicide to fresh cut stump surfaces

• Remove or kill as much of the root system as possible

• Properly dispose of the hedge debris right away

• Consider solarizing the area under plastic sheeting

• Monitor and re-treat any new growth that appears

• Hire a professional if the hedge is huge or you lack equipment

By following these guidelines, you can permanently get rid of a problematic hedge, leaving room to plant something new better suited to your landscape. With persistence and the right techniques, even the most stubborn hedge can be killed for good.