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Japanese Barberry #865885

Asked April 25, 2024, 1:46 PM EDT

I am taking down two very old Japanese Barberry bushes and part of both roots broke down during digging. Do I have to remove all roots to prevent them shooting new shoots? They are in an area that is difficult to work on, would you have any recommendation if I cannot get the roots out by digging? Thanks.

Howard County Maryland

Expert Response

It's hard to predict if the root remnants will resprout (in my personal experience removing barberry, they don't come back vigorously, if at all), but you can wait and see and just cut down any regrowth if it appears. Eventually, with all regrowth removed promptly, the rest of the roots will run out of stored energy and will die out.

Miri
Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied April 26, 2024, 9:41 AM EDT
Thanks for the information.  I will try my best to get the remaining root out, if possible, and plant other bushes in the spots.  Will also continue monitoring to prevent re-establishment from any remaining root system.

Have a great day.

Thanks,
Yun

On Friday, April 26, 2024, 09:42:02 AM EDT, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:


The Question Asker Replied April 26, 2024, 10:07 AM EDT
You're welcome.
Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied April 26, 2024, 10:10 AM EDT

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