Have you neglected your bushes and let them turn your yard into an urban forest? If you’re nodding yes, don’t worry. Bush removal costs just around $770, with most homeowners paying between $380 and $1,170 or anywhere from $40 to $150 per bush.
But before calling a landscaping company, you must first understand all the factors that affect the cost of bush removal. From the size and type of the bush to the accessibility and difficulty of the job, these factors can significantly influence the total cost of your bush removal project.
Average Bush Removal Costs in 2024
| National Average Cost | $770 |
| Typical Price Range | $380 – $1,170 |
| Extreme Low-End Cost | $140 |
| Extreme High-End Cost | $2,200 |
Many homeowners are looking for a solution to their unruly, overgrown shrubs. Some may want to get rid of the bushes altogether, while others choose to replace them with a different species. Whatever your reason, having a professional remove shrubs from your yard can cost anywhere from $380 to $1,170 or around $770, on average.
If you only have a few shrubs to remove, the total cost of your bush removal project can be as low as $140. However, if you have more bushes to remove, you may have to pay as much as $2,200.
Bush Removal Cost Estimator by Size
The national average price of $770 already includes bush and shrub removal, root removal, and debris dumping fees. However, the size of your bushes can greatly affect the final cost of your bush removal project.
Removing small bushes less than 2 feet high may cost around $15 to $40 per bush, while large bushes between 4 and 6 feet high cost anywhere from $70 to $150 per bush.
Depending on the height of your shrub, the cost to remove a bush would be around:
| Bush Height | Typical Cost Range (Per Bush) |
| Small (1 to 2 feet) | $15 – $40 |
| Medium (2 to 4 feet) | $40 – $80 |
| Large (4 to 6 feet) | $70 – $150 |
| Extra large (taller than 6 feet) | $130 – $300 |
Other Factors That Affect Cost
The size of the bushes is not the sole factor in calculating shrub removal costs. Other factors like the type of plant and root system also can affect the total cost of your shrub removal project.
Accessibility and Difficulty
If the bushes are on steep slopes or hard-to-reach areas of your yard or garden, the labor required to access and remove them will likely increase. Moreover, the removal process will be more complicated and time-consuming if your bushes are tangled with other root systems or close to structures like your house, fence, or power lines.
In such cases, your service provider must exercise caution and take additional preparatory measures, leading to higher labor costs.
Root System and Stumps
Certain types of bushes have extensive and deep root systems, making it more difficult for landscaping companies to remove them. They may require special equipment or techniques, leading to increased project costs.
When you remove shrubs, you’ll have to get rid of the stump as well. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay a tree removal service company for stump removal or stump grinding services. Also, consider the location of your utility lines, as they may make it complicated to dig and remove the stumps.
Service Provider
There are a few options when it comes to service providers. Depending on the size of the shrubs to be removed, you may need to use:
- An arborist or tree service company has specialized equipment and expertise to handle bigger and more intricate jobs.
- Landscaping contractors typically charge less than arborists and can often handle small to medium bush removal projects.
- Handyman services can sometimes handle small bush removal jobs. Who knows? Your handyman might even have equipment for medium-sized jobs.
To get the best value for your money, obtain at least three cost estimates before you decide on a provider. Then, have each pro itemize the quote so you can compare labor, haul away, and equipment costs.
Trip Fees
Contractors often factor in travel time and fuel expenses when calculating their service fees. The farther they have to travel to reach your property, the higher the overall cost of the bush removal job. So, choose a landscaping company that already services your area or has you on their regular maintenance route.
Plant Type
Bush removal will cost more if the steps involved are more complex or dangerous. For example, oleander may be visually appealing but can be challenging to remove due to its toxic nature. Since it requires specialized handling and disposal techniques, removing oleander can incur higher costs compared to less hazardous bush varieties.
On the other hand, removing hawthorns can be less costly since they are simpler to remove and pose fewer risks. You can even use undiluted white vinegar to kill their stump and roots.
Soil Replacement
When you remove shrubs, especially those with deep root systems, it can leave your lawn with unsightly, large holes. If you just leave them as is, the holes may disrupt the soil structure or cause soil compaction and drainage issues.
While soil replacement may cost anywhere from $20 to $180 per cubic yard, you may want to include it in your project to avoid compromising the overall health of your garden.
Related Services
If you’re planning to remove shrubs from your property, you might want to avail of other services to save money and time. Some landscaping companies offer discounts for bundled services, so don’t forget to ask your service provider about it.
Tree Removal
Diseased or overgrown trees can cause problems if left unchecked. If you have a diseased tree in your yard, it can easily get toppled during a storm, causing property damage. For an overgrown and unkempt tree, falling branches may cause injury to you or your family.
Avoid these issues by having these hazardous trees removed. Professional tree removal costs depend on the size, tree type, and accessibility. Also, ask the tree service company if they can remove the tree stump as well.
Bush Trimming
Bush and shrub trimming services, which cost around $48 to $75 per hour or between $6 and $16 per bush, are essential for a beautiful landscape. Regular bush trimming helps control the shape and size of bushes, making them healthier and more resistant to pests and diseases.
Tree Trimming
To prevent branches from accidentally falling and causing injury to your family, you must trim your trees regularly. Professional tree trimming costs vary depending on the size and health of your trees. But if you include it in your routine lawn care, you can reduce the risk of your trees becoming hazards during high winds or storms.
Hedge Trimming
Keep your hedges trimmed and well-maintained if you want to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your yard. Apart from preventing overgrowth, regular trimming also can help promote healthy growth. The national average cost of hedge trimming is around $429, with most homeowners spending between $200 and $600.
Grass Replacement
After removing the unwanted shrubs, you may be left with sparse and damaged spots on your lawn. To replace the missing grass, you can either overseed or install new sod. On average, overseeding costs around $1,122, with most homeowners spending between $592 and $1,768, depending on the project size and grass type.
If you’re not keen on waiting for the grass seeds to sprout and mature, the best option would be to install sod. You can expect to pay around $1,048 to $2,992 for the sod installation. But the best part is that you’ll have an instant lawn right away.
Tree Planting
Do you want more shade that you don’t get from your bushes? Trees can be a great alternative. Not only can trees provide shade, but they also help improve the quality of air and cool your home.
You can plant the trees yourself by following the steps in this tree planting guide. But if you lack the time and energy to do so, you can ask your local tree service company for help.
Fence Installation
Are you tired of having to trim your bushes regularly and want to replace them with something more easily manageable? While fence installation costs between $1,330 and $5,550, on average, you’ll be able to enjoy more benefits. For example, you might want to install vinyl fencing because it’s low-maintenance and durable.
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
For most home improvement projects, DIY is usually more affordable than hiring a professional. Removing bushes is no exception.
If you already have a shed full of tools, you probably won’t need to buy any of the equipment necessary for bush removal. In this case, you’ll just need to have the necessary skills, as well as a bit of your time and a little elbow grease. Expect DIY bush removal to take 20 minutes to one hour per bush.
If you don’t have the tools needed for bush removal, the table below lists the basic equipment you’ll need for your DIY project, including the average price of each.
| DIY Equipment | Average Cost |
| Cordless hedge trimmer | $83 |
| Loppers or pruning shears | $40 |
| Trenching shovel | $34 |
| Chainsaw | $112 |
| Pickaxe | $36 |
| Rake | $32 |
| Work gloves | $12 |
| Safety goggles | $13 |
| Ear muffs | $11 |
| Total DIY Cost | $373 |
Note: A trenching shovel is much narrower than a regular shovel and helps to get underneath some plants much easier than a standard shovel would.
Cost of Bush Removal by Location
Labor varies widely by location and from company to company. If the labor prices are high in your area, factor this into your cost expectations.
Additionally, soil type varies by location, and some soil types are more difficult to break. For example, central Mississippi has clay soil, which is thick and dense, and thus takes longer to get through. The longer the bush removal job takes, the higher the cost.
FAQ
What are Some of the Reasons People Remove Shrubs?
The following are some of the reasons homeowners choose to have the shrubs on their property removed:
- Overgrowth: In some cases, the “overgrown” bush is a type of bush that wasn’t a good fit for that space in the first place. Always check the expected size at maturity when considering plantings. Some homeowners choose not to trim the bushes anymore if they want something more low-maintenance.
- Disease: Plant disease is often a reason for removing bushes, plants, or trees. Consult with a professional if you have a bush that seems to be unhealthy.
- Other Landscaping Considerations: You may be removing bushes to update the look or functionality of your lawn. For example, you may want to plant edible blueberry bushes or fruit trees where your bushes were previously. Or maybe you’re looking to add seasonal color to your lawn.
When Should I Remove My Bushes?
Fall and winter are good times to remove bushes, but here are a couple of things to note:
- Call your state wildlife society or extension service to determine when nesting season is in your area. Birds generally nest in spring, but in some areas, they nest throughout the summer and into early fall as well. Try not to cut bushes during this time.
- Additionally, landscapers are less busy during the off-season, so they may offer discounts to get your business.
What If I Have Utility Lines Running Underneath My Large Bush?
One option is to trim all the branches and cut the stump at ground level. Then, plant new ornamentals or add mulch around the stump and let it decompose on its own.
Hire a Pro for Safe and Efficient Bush Removal
Having bushes on your property can be beautiful and beneficial. But if it’s time for your bushes to go, remember to consider the costs and other pricing factors. Professional bush removal costs around $380 to $1,170, depending on factors like the type of plant, root system, and hourly rates of your service provider.
The best option for your wallet may be to remove the bushes yourself. However, if you don’t have the necessary DIY skills and equipment, it would be better to call in the pros who can safely and efficiently get rid of your unwanted bushes.
Main Image Credit: Forest & Kim Starr / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 US
