Arborvitaes are popular privacy trees that many homeowners plant for their dense evergreen foliage and fast growth. However, when these trees outgrow their space, crowd a foundation, or no longer fit the landscape design, removal becomes necessary. Unlike small shrubs, taking down mature arborvitae requires planning, the right tools, and a methodical approach. This guide covers everything from safety preparations and cutting techniques to root removal and soil restoration, so you can clear the area and prepare it for new plants. For broader insights on keeping your outdoor spaces in good shape, see our article on spring yard care and garden preparation.
Planning and Safety Preparations Before You Remove Arborvitaes
Removing large arborvitaes is not a task to rush. Proper planning ensures that the job goes smoothly, injuries are avoided, and underground utilities stay intact. Before you pick up any tool, work through these critical steps.
Call 811 Before You Dig
The single most important step in any digging project is contacting the national call-before-you-dig number at 8-1-1. This free service sends utility representatives to mark buried gas lines, water pipes, electric cables, and communication lines on your property. Striking an underground utility line can cause serious injury, service outages, and costly repairs. Always wait the required time (typically two to three business days) for marks to be placed before you start cutting or digging.
Assess the Tree and Surrounding Area
Walk around the arborvitae and look for obstacles: nearby structures, power lines, garden beds, and desirable plants you want to keep. Determine the tree’s height and the direction it will naturally fall. Arborvitaes are top-heavy, so the trunk may not be strong enough to control the fall direction if the tree is large. In tight spaces, you may need to cut the tree in sections rather than felling it in one piece.
Gather the Right Personal Protective Equipment
Chainsaw work and heavy digging demand proper protective gear. Do not operate a chainsaw without the following items:
- Chainsaw chaps to protect your legs from accidental contact with the chain
- Safety glasses or a face shield to guard against flying wood chips and debris
- Hearing protection such as earmuffs or earplugs for prolonged cutting
- Heavy-duty work gloves to improve grip and protect against cuts and blisters
- Steel-toed boots to protect your feet from falling branches and heavy trunks
Before starting any power tool, inspect it thoroughly. For a full checklist on preparing your gear, check out our article on spring yard equipment safety and essential power tool checks.
Protect Nearby Plants
Identify any perennials, shrubs, or ground cover near the arborvitae that you want to preserve. Carefully dig around their bases to loosen the root balls, then lift them out and place them in buckets or pots filled with moist soil. Trim back the branches of these plants to just in front of a new shoot, which makes them easier to handle and encourages healthy regrowth after replanting. Storing them temporarily in a shaded spot keeps them safe during the removal work.
Cutting Down Arborvitaes: Techniques for a Controlled Fall
Once the area is prepped and you are geared up, it is time to tackle the tree itself. The method you choose depends on the size of the arborvitae and the space available.
Trim Branches First
Start by removing the lower branches with loppers or a pruning saw. Work your way up the tree, cutting branches in small sections. This clears your work area, reduces the overall weight of the tree, and gives you safe footing around the base. If the branches are thick, a chainsaw may be necessary, but always maintain three points of contact and never reach beyond a comfortable distance.
Cutting the Trunk with a Bird’s Mouth Notch
For arborvitaes with trunks thicker than 4 inches, a proper felling notch is essential to control the direction of the fall. This technique, called a bird’s mouth cut, consists of three steps:
- Make the top cut. At about 4 to 5 feet above the ground, cut straight into the trunk at a level angle, going roughly one-third to halfway through the trunk.
- Make the bottom cut. From below, cut upward at a 45-degree angle to meet the end of the top cut. This removes a wedge-shaped chunk of wood.
- Make the back cut. On the opposite side of the trunk, about 2 inches above the notch, cut straight through until the tree begins to fall. Step away along your planned escape route as the tree goes down.
If the tree leans in an undesirable direction, tie a sturdy rope high in the trunk and have an assistant pull it in the correct direction while you make the back cut. Never cut a tree that is under tension from a rope without a clear escape path.
Sectional Cutting for Tight Spaces
When arborvitaes are planted close to a house, fence, or other structure, felling the whole tree is not safe. Instead, cut the tree down in manageable sections. Starting at the top, remove 2- to 3-foot sections of the trunk, letting each piece drop straight down or lowering it with a rope. This approach takes more time but eliminates the risk of the tree striking a building or power line as it falls. For hand pruning techniques that apply to tree care in general, review the fundamentals before starting any cutting work.
Removing the Stump and Root System
After the trunk and branches are cleared, the stump and root system remain. Leaving a stump can lead to regrowth, attract pests, and create an obstacle for future landscaping. Complete removal is recommended if you plan to replant the area.
Manual Stump Extraction
For small to medium arborvitaes, manual digging is the most straightforward approach. Use a shovel, pickaxe, and grub axe to expose the main roots radiating from the stump. Follow these steps:
- Dig a trench around the stump, about 18 to 24 inches away from the base, exposing the major roots.
- Cut through each root with a reciprocating saw or a root saw. Do not use a chainsaw near the ground, as dirt will quickly dull the chain and increase kickback risk.
- Rock the stump back and forth using a pry bar or your body weight to loosen it.
- Continue cutting any remaining roots until the stump can be lifted out.
- Fill the hole with the excavated soil and tamp it down firmly.
Mechanical Stump Removal Options
For large arborvitae stumps or multiple trees, a stump grinder is faster and less physically demanding. You can rent a walk-behind stump grinder from most equipment rental yards. The grinder uses a rotating cutting disk to chip the stump into sawdust, typically grinding 6 to 12 inches below grade. This method leaves the site ready for topsoil and new plants without a large hole to fill.
Chemical Stump Removal
If you are in no rush, chemical stump removers accelerate the natural decomposition of the remaining wood. Drill deep holes into the top of the stump, fill them with a potassium nitrate-based product, and add water. Within four to six weeks, the wood becomes soft and spongy, making it easy to break apart with an axe or shovel. This method is best for stumps in areas where you do not plan to replant immediately, as the chemicals can temporarily affect soil pH.
| Method | Best For | Time Required | Effort Level | Cost Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manual digging | Small stumps (under 6 inches) | 2 to 4 hours | High | Free (existing tools) |
| Stump grinder | Large or multiple stumps | 30 to 60 minutes per stump | Moderate | $100 to $200 rental per day |
| Chemical removal | Stumps in low-traffic areas | 4 to 6 weeks | Low | $10 to $25 per stump |
| Professional removal | Very large or difficult stumps | 1 to 2 hours | None (you hire out) | $150 to $500 per stump |
Understanding the options helps you choose the approach that fits your timeline, budget, and physical ability. For more details on soil improvement and bed preparation after stump removal, see our dedicated guide.
Restoring the Soil and Replanting the Area
With the tree and stump gone, the bare soil needs attention before it can support new plantings. Arborvitaes have dense root systems that deplete soil nutrients and leave the ground compacted. Restoration involves three steps: clearing, amending, and replanting.
Remove All Remaining Roots
Take the time to sift through the soil and pull out any remaining root fragments. Even small pieces can sprout new growth or attract fungi. Use a garden rake to comb through the top 6 inches of soil, collecting roots as you go. This step also helps break up compacted earth and aerates the bed naturally.
Amend the Soil with Compost
Arborvitae roots leave soil depleted of organic matter. Spread a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic compost over the entire bed. Use a rototiller or garden fork to mix the compost into the existing soil to a depth of at least 5 inches. This improves drainage, adds nutrients, and creates a loose texture that new roots can penetrate easily.
Choose and Plant Replacements
Now you have a blank slate. Consider what will work best in the space, taking into account sunlight, soil moisture, and mature size. Good replacement options include:
- Flowering shrubs such as hydrangeas or butterfly bush for seasonal color
- Ornamental grasses for low-maintenance texture and movement
- Evergreen foundation plants like boxwood or yew if you still want year-round structure
- Perennial ground covers to fill the area and suppress weeds
When replanting the shrubs you saved earlier, dig holes twice as wide as the root ball and at the same depth the plant was originally growing. Backfill with the amended soil, water thoroughly, and apply a 2-inch layer of mulch around each plant (keeping it away from the stems) to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Ongoing Care After Planting
New plantings need consistent watering for the first growing season. Water deeply once or twice a week, depending on rainfall. A slow-release fertilizer applied in early spring gives the plants a nutrient boost. Monitor for signs of stress such as wilting or yellowing leaves, and adjust watering as needed. With proper care, your new landscape will establish quickly and fill in the space left by the removed arborvitae.
Removing arborvitaes is a substantial landscaping task, but with the right preparation, tools, and techniques, it is entirely manageable for a dedicated homeowner. The key is never to skip the planning phase, especially the call to 811 and the PPE checklist. Taking the time to remove the stump thoroughly and restore the soil ensures that your next planting will thrive in the space. Remember to recycle the arborvitae wood as mulch or firewood if possible, and to dispose of any diseased material away from healthy plants.