As I move through my garden’s overgrown scenery, I have to deal with azalea bushes I don’t want there. These bright plants can make any place look nice, but they might hinder my gardening plans or make the area too crowded.
In this article, I start the process of getting rid of these azalea bushes by looking at different ways to do it, things to think about, and other choices. Come with me as we learn how to remove azalea bushes in a way that creates a balanced and harmonious setting, just the way I like it.
Azalea bushes are popular flowering shrubs that add vibrant colors to gardens in spring However, over time azaleas can become overgrown and unruly. Their rapid growth and shallow roots also make them prone to damage during storms
If your azalea bushes have outgrown their space or are declining, you may need to remove them. Getting rid of mature azalea bushes takes some work, but it can be done through digging, cutting or using herbicide.
When to Remove Azalea Bushes
The best time to remove azalea bushes is in late fall after flowering or in early spring before new growth emerges. Removing azaleas in summer will shock the plants
Fall or spring removal causes the least stress and allows you to avoid cutting off next season’s flower buds.
Removing Small Azalea Bushes
Small, young azalea bushes can sometimes be pulled up. Use a spade or shovel to dig a circle around the plant 12-18 inches away from the stem. Dig deep enough to get under the root ball then gently loosen the soil and pull up the entire bush.
Make sure to remove all the anchor roots or the plant may re-sprout from remnants left in the ground.
You can also cut through stems less than 1/2 inch thick at ground level after digging around the roots. Removing the top growth helps deter re-growth.
Removing Large, Overgrown Azalea Bushes
Larger, mature azalea bushes have thick woody stems and an extensive root system that makes removing them by digging very difficult. The most effective approach is cutting them down then treating the stump to prevent regrowth.
Step 1: Prune Away All Top Growth
Use loppers or a pruning saw to cut all branches and stems down to 6 inches above ground level. Avoid cutting lower as this can damage the ground. Removing the top growth helps stop regrowth.
Step 2: Treat the Stump
You have two options for treating the stump to kill it:
-
Stump Grinder: Rent a power stump grinder to mechanically grind away the remaining stump and roots. This leaves nothing to resprout from.
-
Herbicide: Apply concentrated brush killer containing triclopyr or glyphosate to the freshly cut stump surface. Follow product instructions carefully.
Step 3: Dig Out Remaining Roots
Give the herbicide several weeks to distribute through the stump and roots. Then you can more easily dig out and remove the dead stump and root ball. Chop large roots with an axe or mattock. Remove all roots you can find to prevent regrowth.
What to Plant After Removing Azaleas
Once the azaleas are gone, you’ll have an empty space to fill in the garden. Consider planting low maintenance, colorful options like:
- Juniper bushes
- Boxwood shrubs
- Hybrid tea roses
- Hydrangea varieties
- Dwarf spruce
- Ornamental grasses
Choose plants suited for your gardening zone and sunlight conditions.
Disposing of Azalea Branches and Roots
Since azalea branches/roots can re-root if left intact, you need to properly dispose of the plant parts after removal. Here are some options:
- Chop and compost on site after shredding the material into very small pieces.
- Bag up shredded plant parts for landfill disposal.
- Burn branches and stems according to local ordinances.
- Never dump azalea material where it could become invasive.
Tips for Removing Azalea Bushes
Follow these tips for safely and effectively removing overgrown azalea bushes:
- Do the work in late fall or early spring when bushes are dormant.
- Cut down all top growth first before treating stumps.
- Treat stumps right after cutting to prevent resprouting.
- Remove as many root parts as possible.
- Dispose of branches, stems and roots properly.
- Wear protective gear like gloves, long sleeves and eye protection.
- Have patience! Removing mature azaleas takes persistence.
Taking out overgrown azalea bushes properly prepares the space for new plantings. Carefully timing removal and treating the stump herbicide helps ensure no regrowth. With some determination, you can eliminate large azalea bushes from the landscape.
What are the Alternative Options to Remove Azalea Plants?
If you don’t want azalea plants, you can do a few different things instead of removing them completely. Here are some different methods I look into:
I might decide not to remove the azalea bushes altogether and instead move them to a different spot in my yard or give them to someone who would enjoy them. By transplanting, I can keep the azaleas’ beauty while getting my desired landscape style.
Checking for Resprouting
After cutting down the azalea trees, I check the area often for signs of regrowth. To do this, look for new shoots or sprouts coming out of any leftover root fragments or buds that are not active. By quickly noticing and taking care of replanting, I can keep the azalea bushes from taking over again.
To make it less likely that the azalea bushes will return, I may use herbicides or other root-inhibiting chemicals on the soil around the ones I cut down. Follow the directions on the package to use these products, which help stop dormant root pieces from growing new plants.
Putting mulch on top of the dirt stops weeds from growing and keeps water in, which makes it harder for azaleas to grow back.
I check the area regularly for any weeds or other useless plants that may come up and remove them immediately so they don’t compete with the plants I want to grow.
I keep any plants that are still there in good shape by cutting and trimming them as needed to encourage healthy growth and keep them from getting too crowded.
If needed, I may add organic matter or nutrients to the soil to make it more fertile and the best place for the plants I want to grow.
By regularly checking for regrowth, taking preventative steps, and doing regular care, I can keep the landscape healthy and looking nice.
Easy way to remove a bush! | Transplanting Azaleas
FAQ
Are azaleas hard to pull up?
If it’s an azalea, you’re in luck because azaleas have shallow roots, are easy to dig up, and recover quickly from the stress of moving.
Do azalea bushes have deep roots?
Rhododendrons and azaleas are very shallow rooted (about 1-2 feet deep), and the root zone may dry out during hot weather even though deeper rooted plants …
How much to remove azalea bushes?
Shrub and bush removal costs as low as $140 to as much as $2,200, but you can expect to spend around $380 to $1,170. Most service providers typically charge a rate of $40 to $150 per bush, depending on the size of the bushes and other cost factors.
How to remove an Azalea Bush?
To remove an Azalea Bush, first dig and loosen it from the ground. Have someone help you pull it out while you slightly tilt it to one side. Then, start breaking into the roots while your partner pulls the bush out.
How do you get rid of Azalea trees?
You can remove Azaleas by digging them up or cutting them down and killing the stumps. Chemicals such as herbicides work to destroy the stump, or you can smother the stump and roots by covering them with cardboard or landscaping fabric and leaving it for several months.
How to dig up azalea bushes?
To dig up Azalea bushes, begin by using a spade and pushing it deep into the ground around the bush to expose the roots. Now, remove the soil from around the bush with the spade.
How do you remove an azalea bush with a hole?
To remove an azalea bush with a hole, lift the azalea from the hole by grabbing the burlap. Do not grab the stem or limbs of the plant to lift. If you intend to replant it, transplant the removed azalea as soon as possible. Otherwise, tend to the plant every day with a slow but thorough watering to keep the roots from drying out.
Are azaleas hard to get rid of?
Azaleas are resilient, and while this trait makes them easy to grow, it can also make them tough to get rid of, and often cutting down Azaleas isn’t enough to kill them. The trunk and outlying roots can sprout new growth, so you may find baby Azaleas coming up wherever there are roots. So how do you get rid of Azaleas for good?
Can a Azalea be cut down to a stump?
If your Azalea is very large and you have access to a backhoe or similar heavy equipment, you can save yourself some sweat by using it to dig up the Azalea, including as large of a root ball as possible. We’ve already covered how to cut Azaleas down to a stump. After that, you can kill the stump to make it easy to remove.