Thuja Root Removal and Root Lifting
When a hedge is cut down, its roots stay in the ground – and as long as they are there, new plants cannot establish properly. We remove thuja and hedge roots completely, by machine or by hand, and hand the area back ready for planting.
On smaller hedges we dig out the root plates by hand; on larger, older rows we lift them out by machine. We haul away the lifted roots and soil debris, backfill and level the line, and on request prepare it with a nutrient-rich planting medium for the new hedge. We can work in tight spots too, alongside fences and paving – at the survey we agree on the gentlest method.
Why shouldn't thuja roots be left in the ground?
Thuja develops a dense, spreading root system that stays in the soil for years after felling: it gets in the way of digging, takes up the space new planting needs, and as long as it is there, new plants cannot establish properly. On top of that, the soil under an old thuja is exhausted, so after removing the thuja roots it is worth improving it with a nutrient-rich planting medium.
How do we dig out thujas?
- Survey: we look at the length of the row, the size of the thujas and access, and choose the method.
- Felling: if the thujas are still standing, we cut them at the base and haul them away.
- Root lifting: by machine for larger rows, by hand in tight spots.
- Haul-away: we take away the roots and soil debris.
- Finishing: we backfill and level the line and, on request, prepare it ready for planting.
Machine or hand root removal?
On longer, older rows, machine lifting is the fastest and cleanest solution – this is how we clear long street-front or boundary rows. In tight spots, next to fences, buildings or paving, we work by hand so that the surroundings are not damaged. We decide which is needed at the on-site survey.
What should go in their place?
After root removal, the area can be planted straight away. If you want a new hedge as well, our hedge replacement package covers removing the old row and planting the new one in one go, at a better price – in place of old thujas we most often plant cherry laurel or Leyland cypress.
Would you like a new hedge in their place?
We look at the site, recommend a plant and give you a combined price for the root removal and the new hedge.
What's included
Where do we carry out root removal?
We work within roughly 100 km of Keszthely. Our local pages on thuja removal:
Frequently asked questions
Do thuja roots need removing if I want to plant a new hedge?
Yes, it is worth it: the old root system stays in the soil for years, gets in the way of digging, and as long as it is there, new plants cannot establish properly.
Can you remove the roots in a tight spot, next to a fence?
Yes – in tight spots, next to fences and paving, we dig them out by hand so that the surroundings are not damaged.
Do you take away the removed roots?
Yes, we haul away the roots and soil debris, then backfill and level the line.
How much does root removal cost?
The price is determined by the length of the row, the size of the thujas, the method chosen (machine or hand) and access. After the free survey we give you an itemised quote – and if you want a new hedge as well, a better price in the hedge replacement package.
Roots left behind by the old hedge?
Request a quote for root removal – we hand back a clean site, ready for planting.
Request a quote
