Do you want to convert your lawn to a more functional vegetable garden or water-efficient landscaping? If so, you will need to remove the existing grass first. Grass removal costs $60 cents to $1.20 per square foot, on average.
While the size of your lawn can significantly impact the overall cost of your grass removal project, other factors, such as yard obstacles, your location, and the removal method, should also be considered.
This guide draws data from both big and small cities across the U.S., so you can get a better estimate of the costs for this project in your region.
Cost by Location
Grass removal services may cost more or less depending upon where you live. Places with higher costs of living generally have higher wages, which drives up the cost of services in those regions.
Check the table below for a snapshot of grass removal costs across the country:
| City | Average Cost Per Square Foot (Including Labor and Materials) |
| Northeast U.S. | |
| Pawtucket, RI | $0.60 – $1.15 |
| New York, NY | $0.75 – $1.55 |
| Southeast U.S. | |
| Dothan, AL | $0.50 – $0.95 |
| Orlando, FL | $0.50 – $1 |
| Atlanta, GA | $0.50 – $1 |
| Midwest U.S. | |
| South Bend, IN | $0.60 – $1.20 |
| Chicago, IL | $0.70 – $1.35 |
| Northwest U.S. | |
| Salem, OR | $0.55 – $1.10 |
| Seattle, WA | $0.70 – $1.40 |
| Southwest U.S. | |
| Houston, TX | $0.50 – $1 |
| Roswell, NM | $0.50 – $1 |
| San Diego, CA | $0.65 – $1.25 |
Cost by Lawn Size
It’s simple: More lawn equals higher cost for grass removal. Here’s a chart that shows how much grass removal costs for different sized plots, based on our per-square-foot averages of between $0.60 and $1.20:
| Project size | Average overall cost |
| 100 square feet | $60 – $120 |
| 200 square feet | $120 – $240 |
| 500 square feet | $300 – $600 |
| 1,000 square feet | $600 – $1,200 |
| 5,000 square feet | $3,000 – $6,000 |
Cost by Removal Method
So, how do you plan to remove your grass? You can choose from four different methods: herbicide application, physical removal, sheet mulching, or solarization.
| Removal Method | Average Cost (Materials and Labor) |
| Herbicide application | $40 – $200 per visit |
| Physical removal | $250 – $1,000 |
| Sheet mulching | $.70 – $1.20 per square foot |
| Solarization | $0.10 per square foot (materials only) |
Herbicides
One way to get rid of your existing grass is to use a post-emergent herbicide (e.g., glyphosate). If you hire a professional to apply the herbicide for you, the cost can range from $40 to $200 each time.
However, one application may not be enough to completely remove the grass. Also, most chemical herbicides can harm the organisms in your soil. And even after using a weed control spray, you might still have to dig up the dead grass from your lawn.
Physical Removal
Most professionals who remove grass are going to use a mini dozer or sod cutter because these machines are quick and efficient.
You can expect professionals to charge by the size of the job. If it’s a relatively small plot and the pro is using a shovel, the price typically ranges from $45 to $95.
Sheet Mulching
Some people refer to sheet mulching as “lasagna gardening” because this method involves covering the grass with multiple layers of cardboard, mulch or other biodegradable materials to smother the grass and kill it.
As a means of removing grass at your home, well, you’d better have patience. It can take many weeks or even months.
A pro will apply it for around $.70 to $3.00 per square foot.
Solarization
Solarization involves cover the grassy area with thick plastic to smother it and heat it up, depriving the grass of air and water while scorching everything beneath the plastic. It’s most effective in warm regions.
Since you only need clear plastic sheets and some rocks or bricks to hold them in place, you can do solarization yourself. The only drawback is that it takes a considerable amount of time, as it requires some processing time to work effectively. If you don’t have plastic sheets stored in your garage, you can buy them for just around $0.10 per square foot.
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
Instead of hiring a pro, there are several ways for you to save money on lawn removal costs. If you’re okay with waiting a few weeks, you can do it almost for free with solarization or sheet mulching.
But if you want it done quicker, you’ll have to dig it up. A flat shovel costs around $20 while a sod cutter costs around $3,900, or $100 per day to rent.
However, if you don’t have the time or energy to do it all yourself, or if you have a big lawn, it’s probably better to hire a lawn care company to take out the grass for you.
Note: Before you start digging, call 811 at least three days ahead, so they can mark where the utility lines are.
Other Factors That Affect Cost
Here are a few other factors that you need to consider when budgeting for grass removal:
New Lawn Installation
If you want a new lawn after removing the old grass, you can either reseed or lay sod. While laying new sod can be labor-intensive, you’ll have a full lawn right away. On average, hiring a pro for sod installation costs $1.65 per square foot.
Seeding is more affordable and much easier, but it takes longer for the grass to sprout and grow. Most homeowners spend between $0.09 and $0.15 per square foot to seed their lawn.
Obstacles in Your Yard
With grass removal, things like sprinklers or tree stumps can make the process more complex. If many objects are in the way, there may be additional costs, as removing these obstacles takes more time and skill. So, the more obstacles there are to remove, the higher the total cost of your grass removal project will be.
Yard Cleanup
Before the lawn removal crew comes, it’s important to tidy up your yard. You must get rid of garden debris, leaves, and anything else that might be in the way. This helps make the grass removal go more smoothly and quickly.
Most homeowners usually spend between $216 and $462 for yard cleanup.
Debris Removal
Once the landscaping company has finished removing your lawn, you’ll be left with mess and junk all over your yard. While it’s tempting to just leave them there, the debris may attract pests, causing more problems. So, hire people to come and take away all that waste. Junk removal costs around $225 per load.
FAQ
The time it takes to complete a grass removal project may take anywhere from a few hours to several days. It can vary greatly depending on your project size, the method used, and the equipment available.
If you want to get rid of your old grass quickly, you will need to use a sod cutter. This machine cuts through the soil, slicing the grass at its roots and making strips of grass. Also, remember that it’s easier to remove grass when the soil is a bit wet.
Yes, removing grass can disrupt the natural ecosystem in your yard. But if you’re replacing your current grass lawn with a more sustainable garden or a water-saving landscape feature, the end justifies the means.
Count on a Pro for Efficient Grass Removal
Since lawn care pros usually have all the right equipment, they can do the job faster and better than most DIYers can. So, if you need to remove your lawn, don’t hesitate to look for a lawn care pro near you today.
Read More:
– Lawn Care Cost Guide
– Mowing Cost Guide
– Aeration Cost Guide
– Dethatching Cost Guide
Note: Lawn Starter may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.
Main Image Credit: Shutterstock
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