Shrub Removal in Exeter
Professional shrub removal services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-£110
Typical Duration
1-2 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
We dig out shrubs completely - roots and all - and take them away. Whether it's one overgrown monster or multiple shrubs you're done with, we remove them properly and leave the ground ready for whatever's next.
Proper Removal Means Getting The Roots
Cutting a shrub down is the easy bit. Getting the roots out is where the work is. Leave them in and you've got regrowth, rotting roots, and a lumpy area you can't plant or turf over properly.
We dig out the entire root ball, extract it cleanly, and backfill the hole with topsoil. The space is left level and ready to replant, turf, or pave - whatever you're planning.
When Shrubs Need Removing
Shrubs outgrow their space, block light, look tatty, or just aren't what you want anymore. Sometimes they're dead, diseased, or taking over. Whatever the reason, proper removal opens up your garden again.
We remove all shrub types - rhododendrons, laurels, conifers (small to medium), hydrangeas, everything. If it's shrub-sized and you want it gone, we'll sort it.
💡 Pro tip: Remove unwanted shrubs in winter when the ground's softer (but not frozen). Easier digging, less mess, and you can see what you're doing without all the leaves.
| Done Right ✅ | Done Wrong ❌ |
|---|---|
| Entire root ball removed | Stump left, roots still there |
| Hole filled with topsoil | Empty hole left to collapse |
| Minimal damage to surrounding area | Lawn torn up everywhere |
| All waste removed | Dead shrub dumped in a pile |
| Ground left level | Lumpy mess |
Why Choose Us for Shrub Removal in Exeter?
Complete root removal
All green waste taken away
Ground left ready to replant
Minimal disruption to surrounding area
What to Expect
1. Assessment We check what's being removed, how big the root system likely is, and access. Quick quote based on size and number of shrubs.
2. Removal We dig around the shrub, extract the root ball, and remove it. Hole gets filled with topsoil and leveled. Takes 1-2 hours per shrub depending on size and how long it's been established.
3. Cleanup Shrub and roots loaded into van, area tidied, topsoil smoothed level. If you're replanting immediately, we can leave the hole unfilled or prep it specifically for what's going in.
🔧 DIY Tips
Tools You'll Need
- 🔧 Spade (sharp one)
- 🔧 Pruning saw or loppers
- 🔧 Mattock or pickaxe for roots
- 🔧 Work gloves
- 🔧 Wheelbarrow
Steps
- 📐 Cut back branches to make access easier
- 📐 Dig around shrub in a circle, 30-40cm out from base
- 📐 Dig down to expose roots (usually 30-50cm)
- 📐 Cut through roots with saw or loppers
- 📐 Rock and lever shrub out once roots are cut
- 📐 Fill hole with topsoil, firm down, level off
Common Mistakes
- ⚠️ Digging too close to the base - you're just digging into roots
- ⚠️ Trying to pull it out before cutting enough roots - doesn't work, you'll hurt your back
- ⚠️ Not filling the hole - it'll collapse and leave a depression
- ⚠️ Underestimating how heavy the root ball is - get help lifting
Pro Trick
💡 Water the ground thoroughly the day before removing shrubs in dry weather. Makes digging easier and keeps the root ball intact so it's less likely to break apart as you remove it.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
Combine with:
- Garden clearance (remove shrubs as part of bigger tidy)
- Replanting with new shrubs
- Turf laying over cleared areas
- Fence repairs (often shrubs grow into fences)
Related services:
- Tree removal for larger specimens
- Rubbish removal for bigger clearances
- Lawn renovation after removal
Seasonal tips: Winter is ideal - softer ground, dormant plants, easier work. Avoid late spring/summer when shrubs are actively growing. Autumn is good too, especially for replanting something new straight after.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you remove the roots completely?
Yes, we dig out the root ball entirely. Leaving roots in means they'll resprout or rot and leave a hole. We dig deep enough to get the main root system out cleanly.
What happens to the shrub once removed?
We take it away and dispose of it properly - usually to green waste recycling. If you want to keep it for replanting elsewhere or giving away, just let us know before we arrive.
Can you remove multiple shrubs in one visit?
Definitely. Multiple shrubs in one go is often more efficient. We quote based on number and size - usually works out more cost-effective than separate visits.
Will removing shrubs damage my lawn?
We minimize lawn damage, but there'll be a hole where the shrub was. We can fill it with topsoil and reseed, or you can leave it to settle and turf over later. We'll discuss options.
Shrub Removal Also Available In:
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