I just dig out 2 - 5 foot,twisted junipers( topiary) in my front yard using a chainsaw, a shovel, a lopper, and here's what I did. I am 48 years old woman and in decent shape. I use loppers to cut smaller branches and the chainsaw ( 14 inches) Dewalt to cut sections at a time. Then, I dig around the tree. I use my gloves to feel for the roots keeping an eye out for drain pipes and Sprinkler system. I use loppers or hand pruners depending on thickness to cut the roots, once I verify it is a root. Dig all the way around it until I get under it. You have to find the roots. You don't always have to dig out all the roots. They will die once main tree trunk is pulled out. Always leave about a foot of the tree or bush trunk to move it back and forth. Hope this helps. I have dug out many bushes over the years and a pine tree just recently on my own.
