If you’re looking to create a new vegetable garden or add flower beds to your yard, it’s essential to factor in the cost of removing the existing lawn. On average, grass removal costs between $0.88 and $1.84 per square foot, with most homeowners spending around $478, including labor and materials.
The most significant factor in the overall cost would be the size of your lawn where you need grass removed. For example, if you need to remove the grass from a small area of around 100 square feet, you can expect to pay as low as $88. But, if you need an entire 5,000-square-foot lawn cleared out, it can cost you as much as $9,200.
In this pricing guide, we’ll cover:
- Average grass removal costs in 2024
- Grass removal cost estimator by lawn size
- Other factors that affect cost
- Related services
- Pro cost vs. DIY cost
- Cost of grass removal by location
- FAQ
Average grass removal costs in 2024
| National average cost | $478 |
| Typical price range | $760 – $3,328 |
| Extreme low-end cost | $88 |
| Extreme high-end cost | $9,200 |
If you want your lawn to undergo a complete makeover, you may need to remove your existing grass first. Lawn removal costs between $0.88 and $1.84 per square foot, or around $1.36 per square foot on average. However, the overall cost of your project will still differ depending on several factors like yard size, removal method, and labor costs.
Removing the grass with a shovel is the best way to keep your project’s total costs down. On the other hand, the most expensive way would be to hire a professional to apply glyphosate to your entire lawn (which is not recommended unless the area is very small).
Grass removal cost estimator by lawn size
The first thing to take into account when estimating how much your grass removal project will cost is the size of your lawn that needs to be cleared. It might sound obvious, but it’s the most important consideration since most lawn care companies charge based on square footage.
The table below shows the estimate for different lawn or garden sizes, considering the average cost of $0.88 to $1.84 per square foot. The overall project cost typically includes the labor fees charged by the landscaping company, which can be around $45 to $120 per hour. It also should cover the cost of hauling away the old grass.
| Project size | Typical project cost |
| 100 sq. ft. (small flower bed) | $88 – $184 |
| 200 sq. ft. (vegetable garden) | $176 – $368 |
| 500 sq. ft. (medium garden) | $440 – $920 |
| 1,000 sq. ft. (medium-sized patio) | $880 – $1,840 |
| 5,000 sq. ft. (average yard) | $4,400 – $9,200 |
Other factors that affect cost
Besides the size of your lawn, other factors might influence grass removal costs, including the method of removal, labor costs, and removal of obstacles.
Removal method
The first cost factor to consider is the chosen method of grass removal. There are four ways to remove grass, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages, including effectiveness and cost.
| Removal method | Average cost |
| Physical removal (sod cutter or shovel) | $0.35 per square foot |
| Herbicides | $60 – $120 per visit |
| Solarization | $0.10 per square foot |
| Sheet mulching | $38 – $140 per cubic yard |
Physical removal
Removing grass with a shovel or sod cutter is the fastest and most common method since the other ones usually need weeks before they start working. However, removing grass using this method is also more physically demanding and not as effective for deep-rooted grass like Bermudagrass or weeds like nutsedge.
Professionals may charge $0.35 per square foot to remove the grass with a sod cutter, or they might charge by the hour at a rate of $40 to $160.
Herbicides
You can remove grass and weeds by using a post-emergent herbicide like glyphosate. Getting a professional to apply broad-spectrum herbicides can cost between $60 and $120 per application. However, you may need to apply more than once for complete grass removal.
Note: Most herbicides used for weed control can harm the environment and your soil’s biology. Plus, you will still need to dig up your lawn to remove the dead grass.
Solarization
The solarization process involves covering the area where you want grass removed with a sheet of plastic for six to eight weeks until the grass eventually dies off (along with weeds and pests). This method works better in sunny, warm climates.
In addition, homeowners can do solarization themselves since it only requires clear plastic sheets and bricks or rocks to hold them down. It just requires patience, as it takes longer. Clear plastic sheets cost an average of $0.10 per square foot.
Sheet mulching
Also known as lasagna gardening, sheet mulching involves smothering grass with multiple layers of mulch, including paper, cardboard, and organic materials. It can cost nothing, as you already have most of the materials at home (paper, organic waste, etc.). Alternatively, you can buy mulch, which costs between $38 and $140 per cubic yard.
Removal of obstacles
The total cost of grass removal also can be affected by the number of obstacles on the property. For example, professionals may need to remove tree stumps or a water sprinkler system, which takes time and skill and will incur additional costs.
Related services
If you’re looking for a way to add curb appeal or value to your home or just want a new lawn, additional services can help you in this endeavor.
New lawn installation
There are two options for replacing your grass: sod installation or reseeding. Laying sod is labor-intensive and time-consuming, but it will create an instant lawn. Hiring a professional for sod installation costs around $0.86 to $1.75 per square foot, with most homeowners spending between $1,048 and $2,992.
On the other hand, seeding your lawn is easier and cheaper, but it will take longer for the grass to mature and establish. On average, lawn seeding costs between $592 and $1,768, or around $0.09 to $0.19 per square foot.
Artificial grass installation
Maybe you’ve decided to remove your grass because lawn maintenance isn’t for you. In that case, why not install artificial grass instead? If you opt for this type of grass, you can install it on any flat or sloped surface.
Vegetable garden
With the increasing popularity of vegetable gardens, it’s no surprise people are getting rid of big chunks of their lawns to make room for them. Some people have even made money by selling the vegetables they grow in their vegetable gardens.
Making a vegetable garden might require an initial investment, which can vary depending on the garden size and whether you’re planting it in-ground or on a raised bed.
Flower beds
If you don’t want to turn your entire yard into a garden, you can plant small flower garden beds in different spots around your yard. There’s nothing prettier than a colorful garden of flowers that makes your yard look like a dream. Whatever kind of flower you choose — whether it’s roses or lilies — they’ll add a pop of color to your landscape and make it more alive.
Walkway
Walkways or pathways can be useful and make your yard stand out. They can help you navigate the yard and get from one destination to another without harming your turfgrass. If you want a specific look, professionally installed walkways can have many textures, colors, and patterns.
Sprinkler system
If your reason for removing the grass in your yard is because you’re installing new sod or planting new grass seeds, you might want to install an in-ground sprinkler system as well. This way, you won’t have to worry about squeezing the task of watering your lawn into your busy schedule.
If you already have sprinklers in your lawn, you need to have them checked in case they were damaged during the grass removal process. If so, you need to add sprinkler repair to your list of priorities.
Yard cleanup
Apart from removing obstacles like tree stumps, another crucial thing to do before the lawn removal company arrives at your property is to clean your yard. You need to clear away leaves, debris, and other obstacles to ensure a smooth and more efficient grass removal process.
On average, yard cleanup costs anywhere from $174 to $436 or around $0.02 to $0.05 per square foot.
Debris removal
After the grass is removed, you will be left with debris and yard waste all over your yard. You can hire debris removal services to load and haul away all that waste.
Hauling away yard waste and debris usually costs between $160 and $400. But if you do not have your yard waste removed or taken care of, there is an increased chance of attracting pests, and that’s more trouble than it’s worth.
Pro cost vs. DIY cost
If you want to save money, you can remove your own grass instead of paying someone else to do it. You have a few options for going about it.
First, if you don’t mind waiting several weeks until your grass is completely removed, you can do it practically for free using solarization or sheet mulching.
On the other hand, if you want the job finished in a day or two, you will need to dig the grass up. The tables below show the costs for physically removing grass using a flat shovel, a sod cutter, and a rototiller.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to call 811 at least three days before you do any digging, so they can come and mark the utility lines.
Costs of using a shovel to remove grass
| DIY equipment | Average cost |
| Flat shovel | $20 |
| Spade | $12 |
| Lawn mower (reel) | $123 |
| Wheelbarrow | $69 |
| Lawn edger | Buy: $87 Rent: $50 per day |
| Total DIY costs (if you buy a lawn edger): | $311 |
| Total DIY costs (if you rent a lawn edger): | $274 |
The average price for removing grass DIY with a shovel is between $274 and $311 if you don’t have any lawn care tools at home. Of course, these prices could drop even lower if you already have most of these tools in your garden shed, but the project will cost a lot of hours and sweat.
Costs of using a sod cutter to remove grass
| DIY equipment | Average cost |
| Lawn mower (reel) | $123 |
| Rototiller | $116 |
| Mulch/compost | $38 per cubic yard |
| Sod cutter | Buy: $3,970 Rent: $104 per day |
| Total DIY costs (if you buy a sod cutter): | $4,247 |
| Total DIY costs (if you rent a sod cutter): | $381 |
If you use a sod cutter, the average cost ranges from $381 to $4,247. Buying a sod cutter can drive the price really high, so it would be better to just rent the equipment. However, it can be hard to maneuver for the inexperienced, so don’t hesitate to call a pro instead.
Costs of using a rototiller to remove grass
| DIY equipment | Average cost |
| Lawn mower (reel) | $123 |
| Mulch/compost | $38 per cubic yard |
| Rototiller | Buy: $116 Rent: $76 per day |
| Total DIY costs (if you buy a rototiller): | $277 |
| Total DIY costs (if you rent a rototiller): | $237 |
On average, removing grass using a rototiller can cost anywhere from $237 to $277. The costs will depend on how powerful the rototiller is.
Each method has its pros and cons, so you will need to choose the one that suits your budget and preferences. But if you don’t have the time and energy to do all the work yourself or you have a large lawn to remove, it’s still best to hire a lawn care company to do the grass removal for you.
Cost of grass removal by location
Lawn removal costs can vary depending on where you are located. Generally, if you’re in a metropolitan area, you can expect to pay more for the same service than in a rural area.
However, people living in big cities usually have smaller yards. Because of this, the overall cost of grass removal will likely be lower than for someone with a 10,000-square-foot yard in the suburbs.
FAQ
How deep do I have to dig to get rid of grass?
You should dig your soil with a flat-end shovel 3 to 4 inches deep to get most of the grassroots. Note that this process also removes the topsoil, which contains many nutrients. The solution is to lay the old sod with the grass side down and spread compost over it to return nutrients to the soil.
What is the fastest method of removing old grass?
If you’re looking for the fastest way to remove old grass, you can use a sod cutter. This motorized machine slices soil, cutting grass at the roots and creating grass strips. Also, lawn removal is best when the soil is moderately damp because it’s easier to dig up.
When should I remove my grass?
It depends. You should remove your entire lawn and replace it with a new one when at least 50% of what was supposed to be grass is bare ground and weeds.
Regarding the time of year, the best time to remove your grass – especially if you’re planning to lay down new sod – is during the active growing period. You can do it during late spring to summer for warm-season grasses and early fall or early spring for cool-season grasses.
Hire a pro for efficient grass removal
Grass removal costs around $0.88 to $1.84 per square foot, as it’s not an easy job at all. It would be a whole lot easier with the help of a few machines. Professionals usually have the necessary equipment, and they can quickly and efficiently remove the grass for you. So, find a lawn care service pro near you today and save yourself both time and effort.
Note: Lawn Love may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.
Main Photo by: publicdomainpictures
