How hard is it to remove big shrub?

[CorianderSnell]

I have a shrubby euphorbia, about as tall as me, which albeit quite attractive is in quite the wrong place, and I want to get rid of it.

I’m imagining I can just saw off all the branches (I’d reckon they’re mostly around 1-2” across at the base) and then dig out/hack at the roots.

But before I get stuck in ... am I being unrealistic? I’d rather not but wondering if I’d be better off paying someone else to do it? I generally garden in 15min bursts whilst the baby naps so not sure if I’ll be at it for weeks or if it’ll be a nice quick job...

It's hard work, it took 2 men to remove a 5 foot shrub from our garden, there were brambles inside it, it was a nightmare. I Guess you can saw off the branches but it's the roots but it's doable.

If you do decide to do it yourself, make sure you wear gloves, keep your arms covered, and wear eye protection. Euphorbia sap can be an extreme irritant, it's milky and sticky, so don't get it on your skin.
I removed a large E. Wulfenii someone years ago, but did it in late autumn, when most stems had died down, cutting them back and levering the root stock out of the soil. It's a big job, so might be best to get a man in!

Thanks both; sadly I think you’re right. I like to just get stuck in and rip stuff up but I think this is probably too big for me (and I’d been a bit blasé about the sap thinking the shrub varieties weren’t like the perennial type but this talk of protective eyewear is certainly putting me off.)

Such a pain - I should have moved it earlier when we got rid of a couple of other things there, but thought it would look too empty. However it’s right at the bottom of a run of steps now; you kind of walk straight into it if you don’t turn quick enough, and I really need to uproot. Hopefully doing so won’t upset the new smaller plants I’ve put in behind it...

It’s very hard work.... Good luck!

Couldn't you try to dig it out and replant? Sharp root-pruning sometimes works? You could then either fill the crater or plant something else there? Or make it into swimming pool?
[not helpful at all]

Interesting - have just googled root pruning, not having heard of it before - it sounds like it’s definitely worth a try. There’s a space for it further down the border... and less work than destroying as no disposal/chopping up. And if it dies I’m not that fussed

Good idea - thanks! (Will still probably get someone else on it though as I’m freaked out about accidentally covering myself in euphorbia sap somehow...)