Removing two Spiraea Japonica Shrubs

Hello all

I hope you are all well.

I am looking at removing two Spiraea Japonica Shrubs, one is too close to a fence and the other is too far back in the border.

I will be planting another two of the same Shrub but in the correct places, probably new plants as I do not know if the ones being removed will be able to be transplanted, unfortunately.

Does anyone have any advice on how to remove them, do they have large roots etc.?

Thanks in advance

Kevin

 

Hello Kevin, I'd say that depends on how long they've been in their respective positions. If you don't want to save them, then chopping the top growth to leave the main stems (leverage), then chopping all around with a sharp spade will work as long as there's no massive tap root. If there are (they're in the rose family), major hole digging required to be able to chop/saw them off.
The cheat's way is to clear some soil from around the crown and then saw the stem (s) off as close to ground level as possible. They'll probably re-grow, but a dose of SBK or Doff stump killer will sort them.

 

Hello @noisette47

Thanks for the reply.

They have been in there positions a fair while, I have never been in the position to remove them, until now, unfortunately.

If they can be removed, maybe without all the tap root, will they regrow from the root?

Also, if I am unable to remove the tap root, will there be any issue with planting something in the same area?

Thanks in advance

Kevin

 

I once had to move a spirea because it was too large for its spot. I dug up the root ball, which seemed like it was as wide as the outermost part of the branches. I suggest that you start digging down & inwards from the drip line, until the root ball is free. I wrapped the root ball in burlap and blankets to prevent it from falling apart. The "new" hole was already prepared and I had help when moving it. I then planted a more compact, new spirea in the "old" hole" and an even more compact, pink spirea in a third location. I did the move while it was dormant in winter and planted the other two later in Spring.

 

Hello again, no, I don't think you'll get regrowth from bits of root, but obviously, once the main shrub is out of the way, it will be easier to remove as much root as possible to give you a clear planting hole for the replacement :)

 

I dug one up last year November , they don't have a tap root relatively easy ish to dig out . Its been on the garage site since its not even in the ground or wrapped its just sat on concrete and its still alive. I wouldn't worry about them dying on you

 

Hello @noisette47 and @Perki

Thanks for replies and the information.

I will give it a go over the next few days, if I can get them out, great, if not then I will get some help in to remove them.

Kevin