Yes — most tree service companies are fully equipped to remove large, overgrown privacy shrubs. In fact, shrub removal is a routine part of what professional tree crews handle, especially when the shrubs have grown too big for standard lawn care equipment to manage.
What Makes Privacy Shrubs Different From Regular Shrubs
Privacy shrubs like Leyland cypress, holly, ligustrum, and cherry laurel are planted to grow tall and dense — which is exactly what makes them hard to remove later. Over time, these plants develop thick trunks, wide canopies, and deep root systems that go well beyond what a homeowner can handle with basic tools.
When a privacy hedge reaches 10, 15, or 20 feet, it stops being a landscaping job and starts being a tree job. That’s when a professional tree service makes sense.
How Tree Crews Typically Handle Overgrown Shrubs
The approach depends on the size of the shrubs, how close they are to structures, and whether you need the stumps removed as well.
For large shrubs growing near a fence, house, or utility line, crews will often work from the top down — cutting in sections to control where material falls. This is similar to how they handle small tree removals, and the same equipment is used.
Once the above-ground material is cleared, the stump and root ball are addressed separately. Stump grinding is the most common method and keeps roots from resprouting. Full root extraction may be needed if you’re replanting or installing hardscape in the same area.
Risks of Letting Overgrown Shrubs Stay Too Long
Privacy shrubs that have outgrown their space can cause real problems over time. In Alabama, fast-growing species like Leyland cypress are especially common along property lines — and they can cause issues if left unmanaged.
Some of the more common concerns include:
- Root systems pushing against fences, walkways, or foundations
- Overgrown branches contacting the roofline or gutters
- Dead interior growth creating fire or pest risk
- Dense hedges blocking drainage and holding moisture against structures
Storm damage is another factor in North Alabama. Large shrubs with significant wind resistance can uproot or split during severe weather, sometimes falling toward a structure or across a property line.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Smaller shrubs under five or six feet can often be handled by a homeowner with the right tools. But once a shrub has grown into a large, multi-stemmed mass — especially one planted close to a structure or utility line — the job carries real risk.
Improper cuts can cause heavy sections to fall in the wrong direction. Root systems can be more extensive than they appear. And without the right equipment, cleanup alone becomes a major project.
A licensed tree service has the training, equipment, and insurance to handle the job safely and leave the area clean.
If you have a row of overgrown privacy shrubs on your Huntsville property that have gotten out of hand, a local tree service can assess the situation and give you a clear picture of what removal involves. Reaching out for an on-site estimate is a good first step.