How to Kill Rhododendrons

Step 1

Wait for the spring or fall when the soil is moist to manually remove the shrub. Put on work gloves.

Step 2

Remove all stems and branches off the rhododendron with garden loppers, leaving only the main stem. Cut the stem close to ground level, leaving about 2 to 3 inches of stump protruding above the soil.

Step 3

Insert the end of a shovel into the ground a few inches out from the rhododendron stump. Dig a small trench around the entire rhododendron stump.

Step 4

Insert the shovel at an angle into the soil with the tip of the shovel going under the rhododendron rootball. Push the shovel hand down toward the ground to propel the rootball and the shrub stump out of the soil.

Step 5

Dispose of the stump and root ball. Monitor the area for newly emerged sprouts, digging them out of the ground when they appear.

Step 1

Remove all stems and branches off the rhododendron with garden loppers, leaving only the main stem. Cut the stem close to ground level, leaving about 2 to 3 inches of stump protruding above the soil.

Step 2

Pour glyphosate, triclopyr or 2,4-D herbicide in a chemical-resistant, disposable container. Dip a paintbrush into the container, saturating the bristles with the undiluted herbicide.

Step 3

Paint the rhododendron stump with the herbicide immediately. Monitor the stump for new growth, spraying any emerged seedlings with herbicide.