How to Remove a Hedge to Install a Fence?

Installing a fence is an important step in landscaping an outdoor space, whether for security, privacy, or simply aesthetic reasons. It is sometimes necessary to remove an existing hedge that occupies the location. This task may seem daunting, but our experts explain in this article the steps to follow to remove a hedge and replace it with a fence.

First Step: Stripping

You will need to begin by carefully removing the branches from the hedge, thus “stripping” your hedge of its excess branches and foliage.

By carrying out this initial operation, you will not only make access to the trunk easier, but also improve the visibility of the hedge structure, which will greatly assist the subsequent removal process.

Second Step: Cutting the Trunk

Once your hedge is stripped, you will need to tackle the first major part: the main trunks. Using a chainsaw or suitable saw, you will need to cut the trunks into manageable sections, taking care to leave only the stump in the ground (for now).

This step requires a certain degree of caution and good control of the tools, but by proceeding methodically, you will make efficient progress in the process of removing your hedge in preparation for replacement with a fence.

Third Step: Stump Extraction

This is the step that will require elbow grease and determination! To prevent the hedge from growing back, you will need to completely remove the stump and roots.

There are 3 effective methods, more or less quick. Let us examine them together.

With the Assistance of a Mechanical Digger

There is no need for a backhoe loader; a mini-digger will be sufficient to help you with your task. Using the machine, you can employ a pivot extraction method and thus remove the stumps from your old hedge one by one. This is the most effective method, but also the most costly (if you or those around you do not own the mechanical equipment in question).

Using a Hoist

The hoist is the solution that combines manual force and mechanical assistance. The chain hoist will enable you to multiply the strength of your arms with a system and rope that wraps around the stump you wish to uproot.

By Hand

If you have neither a hoist nor a mini-digger, but have motivation and elbow grease, you have one final solution: Dig around the stumps.

This is a method that requires time and energy, but by moistening the soil, you should be able to emerge from your task with the full satisfaction of a job well done. This method could prove too lengthy, or even impossible with a hedge that has been in place for many years. If this is the case, you will need to seriously consider the previous solutions or the help of a professional.

After Removing the Hedge

Once your stumps and roots have been completely removed, you need to work the soil again and consider which fence you will install in this newly cleared space: rigid fence, flexible rolled wire mesh, aluminum fence, bar fence, wooden fence panel?

With Clôture Discount, you are spoilt for choice!

If you have land for agricultural purposes, we strongly recommend that you read our experts’ advice in the article How to Effectively Fence Your Agricultural Land?

If you are looking for design and elegance, our experts have also addressed the subject of bar fencing and its installation in the article Bar Fence: Selection, Installation and Maintenance

Valentine Chiquet – Gestionnaire de contenu digital
Experte clôture, portail et aménagement extérieur depuis 2019.
Diplômée en Master de Marketing digital – SEO, UX/UI
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