How to Get Rid of Holly Roots

Hollies are evergreen shrubs or trees that are used as border and specimen plants. Oftentimes, gardeners cut down their holly when the plant has succumbed to a disease or damage. It is important to remove the holly's root system to make the space available for planting other landscape plants or grass. For example, gardeners who want to lay sod over the holly area must grind down the roots to 12 inches deep in the soil.

Chainsaw
Herbicide
Stump grinder

Instructions

- 1
  Cut the trunk of the holly down to 2 to 3 inches from the ground. Make sure that the cut is level for applying a herbicide.
- 2
  Spray the trunk with a herbicide that contains glyphosate. By using a herbicide to kill off the entire root system, you prevent the plant from sprouting from any remaining roots that end up in the soil. Hollies range in height from 6-inch- to 70-foot-tall plants; roots may extend out into the growing area and deep into the soil.
- 3
  Drive a stump grinder to the edge of the holly stump. Stump grinders are rented from gardening supply stores. Use the hydraulic lever to lift the grinder wheel 3 inches from the top of the stump.
- 4
  Turn the wheel on. Lower the wheel so that it grinds the roots from side to side. Advance the stump grinder by lifting up the wheel once you have ground down the roots to 4 to 12 inches deep in the soil.
- 5
  Grind the entire root system. Pick up the debris to use as compost or mulch. Add dirt to the hole.

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