Yes, you can remove a large established flax clump (Phormium tenax or Phormium cookianum) without machinery — but be prepared for a solid day's work. A mature flax can have a dense, fibrous root mass that spreads wide and deep, so the key is dividing and conquering rather than trying to pull the whole thing out at once.
Understanding What You're Up Against
New Zealand flax is one of our toughest native plants. A well-established clump can be 1.5–2 metres across with roots extending 30–60 cm deep and fanning out well beyond the visible foliage. The leaves are tough and razor-edged, and the root mass is a dense tangle of thick, fibrous rhizomes. Attempting to yank the whole clump out in one go — even with a vehicle — often fails and can cause injury or property damage.
The good news is that flax responds well to being broken into sections, which makes hand removal very achievable with the right approach and tools.
Tools You'll Need
- Sharp spade or garden spade — your most important tool
- Mattock or grubbing hoe — excellent for chopping through roots
- Pruning saw or reciprocating saw — for cutting through thick rhizomes
- Loppers or heavy-duty secateurs — to cut back foliage first
- Crowbar or wrecking bar — for levering sections free
- Wheelbarrow — for carting away debris
- Heavy-duty gloves — flax leaves have sharp edges that can cause nasty cuts
- Safety glasses — leaf tips can flick up at eye level
- Steel-capped boots — protect your feet when using a spade or mattock
Step-by-Step Removal Method
Step 1 — Cut Back the Foliage
Using loppers or a pruning saw, cut all the leaves back to about 20–30 cm from the ground. This dramatically reduces the bulk you're working with and gives you clear sight lines to the base. Bag or bundle the leaves — they're long and awkward but can be composted or taken to a green waste facility.
Step 2 — Score Around the Perimeter
Using your spade, cut straight down around the outer edge of the clump in a circle, going as deep as you can (aim for 30–40 cm). This severs the outer roots and defines your working area. A mattock is very effective here for chopping through tough root material.
Step 3 — Divide the Clump Into Sections
This is the key technique. Drive your spade or mattock straight down through the centre of the clump to split it in half, then split each half again. Work in quarters or even eighths for a very large clump. Use a crowbar to lever sections apart once you've made your cuts. A reciprocating saw or pruning saw is handy for cutting through particularly thick rhizomes that resist the spade.
Step 4 — Lever and Lift Each Section
Once divided, work each section free individually. Dig under it with the spade, lever it up with the crowbar, and rock it back and forth to break remaining roots. Sections should now be manageable enough to lift by hand (though still heavy — get a helper if you can).
Step 5 — Remove Remaining Roots
Flax will reshoot from root fragments left in the ground, so take time to dig out as much of the root mass as possible. Loosen the surrounding soil with a fork and remove any sizeable pieces you find.
Disposing of the Flax
Flax is bulky material. Your options in most NZ regions include:
| Disposal Method | Notes |
|---|---|
| Green waste bin | Check your council accepts flax — some don't due to bulk |
| Transfer station / green waste drop-off | Most councils accept it; fees may apply |
| Home composting | Leaves compost slowly; roots take much longer |
| Mulching | Shred leaves if you have access to a mulcher |
| Skip bin hire | Practical for very large volumes |
Check with your local council about green waste rules, as these vary around NZ.
Will It Regrow?
Flax is resilient. If root fragments remain, you may see reshooting within a few weeks. Treat any regrowth promptly by digging it out or applying a suitable herbicide labelled for the purpose. Always follow label directions and take care near waterways, as many herbicides are restricted near water under the Resource Management Act.
Note that harakeke (Phormium tenax) holds significant cultural importance in Māori tradition. If you're unsure whether your flax is a culturally significant planting, it's worth checking with your neighbours or local iwi before removing it.
Safety Notes
- Flax leaves have very sharp edges — always wear heavy gloves and eye protection
- Mattock and spade work is physically demanding; take regular breaks and stay hydrated
- Watch for underground services (power, water, gas, telecoms) before digging. Call Before U Dig if you're unsure where services run — check their current contact details at beforeudig.co.nz
- Wet soil makes the job harder and heavier — choose a dry spell if possible
- Lift with your legs, not your back; consider a helper for lifting large sections
When to Call a Professional
If the flax clump is very large (over 2 metres across), located in a confined space, close to structures or retaining walls, or if you have any physical limitations, it's well worth calling a qualified landscaper. A professional with the right tools — including a mini-excavator if needed — can remove a large clump safely and efficiently in a fraction of the time. You can find experienced local landscapers on tradedirectory.co.nz to get quotes and compare options.
Licensed Building Practitioner (LBP)
