How to remove throny bushes next to wooden deck?

[Sarahhj08]

I have some flower bushes that shoot up thorny offshoots on my lawn (where children play). I would love to remove the bushes, but they were planted right next to my wooden deck (by the previous owners) and I am worried that removing them will damage the deck.

The back yard is not accessible to a car so they can't be pulled up with a chain/rope. I've heard of something called wood rot-but don't want to use that next to a wooden deck.

Does anyone have any suggestions for removal? I don't know how deep or horizontal the roots go.
Thank you.