Removing a Japanese Pieris

Question

I want to remove the Japanese Pieris from my yard. My question is regarding the root system. Do the roots grow deep into the ground, or are they shallow, and how wide do they spread? The bush has been there for a very long time. At the base of it, the trunk is probably 3-5″ in diameter. Can I dig it out or does it have to be pulled out?

Answer 1

Japanese Pieris produces a shallow, fibrous root system, so it shouldn't be too hard to remove. Digging it out will probably be the easiest. If you can get under the roots from one side with a shovel, you can probably get the rest out without too much trouble.