Bush removal advice

[robfosters]

I have a large bush that takes up a whole raised bed that could be put to far, far better use.

I am up to the task of chopping it down and cutting through the roots (I think), but need further advice on what to do next to stop it returning.

The obvious solution would be rootkiller. However, I want to grow veg in the bed after so am unsure as to what i could do.

Any ideas?

[WendyC]

Can't work out from your picture what it is? Is it a viburnum tinus as it appears to be in flower? I would have thought, obviously depending on what it actually is, that if you get most of the rootball out you shouldn't have any trouble with regrowth - unless it is something which sends up suckers. Not sure about weedkillers. No doubt someone else will be along with advise on that. Clearing a big space like that is very satisfying and gives a good excuse to plant something new. Good luck.

[snuffer]

I think your just going to have to bite the bullet, chop it down and dig out the roots. The soil will probably be very impoverished after supporting that huge bush so you might need to add plenty of organic matter before you start growing veg. in the bed.

Looks like a nice little weekend project.

[robfosters]

I'll beck in 5 mins with a close pic of the bloom so it can be ID'd.

[robfosters]

Close up so it can be ID'd. Actually quite a nice plant, just uses up too much valuable space.

[rustylady]

Looks like Viburnum to me. If you're really sure you don't want it then get chopping.

[solway cropper]

Shame you couldn't wait till summer then you could take some cuttings from it. Many of the viburnum varieties are good for attracting pollinating insects and it's a lovely looking specimen.

[Glutton4...]

Personally, I'd leave it - it's lovely.

If you must remove it, then you'll have to dig it all out. Using a weed- or stump killer will mean you cannot grow in the soil afterwards.