Final answer:
The best word to fill in the blank is 'uproot,' which means to remove something firmly established from its place.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context provided, the best word to fill in the blank is uproot. This means to remove something that is firmly established, such as a tree stump, from its place. When roots are shallow, they do not provide a strong anchor to the ground, making the process of uprooting easier. In the case of tree stumps, once uprooted, the roots either take a long time to grow back or are completely unable to, depending on the species and age.
Dislodge is also a possibility, as it means to knock or force out of position, but it is typically used for situations where an object is moved rather than completely removed. Extract is a more general term that could be used to refer to the removal of anything from a place, while uplift typically refers to an emotional or spiritual lift, or in geological terms, the raising of an area of the earth's surface.