How much does shrub and bush removal cost?
How much does shrub and bush removal cost?
$25 – $150 removal cost per bush or shrub (2' – 6' tall)
$50 – $125 removal cost per hour
$40 – $150 removal cost per 5’ of hedges
Shrub and bush removal cost
Shrub and bush removal costs $25 to $150 per bush or $50 to $125 per hour. Hedge removal costs $40 to $150 per 5’ length, depending on the plant type and complexity. Large bush removal costs $60 to $250 per shrub. Bush stump removal costs $12 to $24 per stump.
| Charge type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Per hour | $50 – $125 |
| Per bush or shrub (2' – 6' tall) | $25 – $150 |
| Per large bush or shrub (6'+ tall) | $60 – $250 |
| Per 5’ length of hedges (5' – 6' tall) | $40 – $150 |
Average price to remove 50' of shrubs and bushes
The following table shows the average cost to remove a 50’ length of shrubs and bushes:
| National average cost | $950 |
| Minimum cost | $150 |
| Maximum cost | $2,500 |
| Average range | $400 to $1,500 |
Cost data is from research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.
Cost to remove bushes and shrubs by size
The cost to remove bushes and shrubs is $25 to $150 per plant 2’ to 6’ tall on average. Large bush removal costs $60 to $250 per bush.
| Bush height | Total cost per bush (5’ long) |
|---|---|
| Up to 2' | $15 – $40 |
| 2' – 4' | $25 – $80 |
| 4' – 6' | $40 – $150 |
| Taller than 6' | $60 – $250 |
Hedge removal cost
Hedge removal costs $40 to $150 per 5’ of length for bushes 4’ to 6’ tall. The cost to remove a hedge depends on the hedge type, root structure, size, and location.
| Length | Total cost to remove |
|---|---|
| 5’ | $40 – $150 |
| 10’ | $80 – $300 |
| 15’ | $120 – $450 |
| 20’ | $160 – $600 |
| 30’ | $240 – $900 |
| 50’ | $400 – $1,500 |
Other tree and bush removal costs
Tree or bush removal costs depend on the type, size, quantity, and removal method.
| Plant type | Average cost to remove |
|---|---|
| Bush stump removal | $12 – $24 per stump |
| Blackberry removal | $100 – $250 |
| Oleander removal | $50 – $200 |
| Vines or poison ivy removal | $200 – $500 |
| Tree removal | $300 – $2,000 |
*Minimum service fees are $80 to $160.
Bush stump removal cost
Bush stump removal costs $12 to $24 per stump of 3” to 6” wide, plus minimum service fees of $80 to $160. Digging up bush stumps costs $50 to $100 per hour for small projects.
In comparison, tree stump grinding costs $100 to $250 per stump on average.
Blackberry removal cost
Blackberry removal costs $100 to $250 on average or $50 to $125 per hour for small sections. The cost to remove blackberry bushes is $550 to $1,700 per acre for large areas. The most common removal methods include removing by hand or clearing with backhoes.
Blackberry roots spread up to 30 feet, so manual cutting followed by herbicide application may be necessary for complete removal.
Oleander removal cost
Oleander removal costs $50 to $250 per bush of 3’ to 8’ tall. People often remove oleanders because they are poisonous or have diseases like leaf scorch. These flowering evergreen shrubs have extensive root systems that produce new shoots if not completely removed.
Vine and poison ivy removal
Poison ivy removal costs $200 to $500 on average, depending on the accessibility and removal method. Removing poison ivy costs $50 to $125 per hour for small projects.
Tree removal
Tree removal costs $300 to $2,000 per tree on average, depending on the type, size, and accessibility. Most contractors include cleanup and disposal in the price but not stump removal. Trees typically cost more to remove due to the larger equipment needed.
Cost factors for removing bushes
Cost factors for removing bushes include:
Age of bush & size – Older bushes have thicker trunks and deeper roots that are more work to excavate.
Access – Standalone bushes are less expensive to remove than hedges beside fences, landscape features, or next to the home foundation.
Transportation – Companies charge hourly, per mile, or per day for travel time depending on the site location.
Equipment type – Minimum removal fees cost $250 to $500 for crews with a skid-steer loader.
Cleanup – Debris hauling and removal costs $20 to $30 per shrub up to 6’ tall, depending on the location and local dump fees.
Soil replacement – Topsoil costs $10 to $50 per cubic yard, including delivery.
Location – Local rates and taxes vary based on geographic location.
Mulch – Filling in garden beds with mulch costs $70 to $120 on average to level small holes from bush removals.
Regrading – The cost to level or regrade the yard is $0.40 to $1.00 per square foot on average.
Sprinkler damage –Sprinkler repair costs $100 to $400 when the bush roots have overgrown and damaged sprinkler parts.
Lawn replacement – Sod installation costs $1 to $2 per square foot. The cost to seed a lawn is $0.04 to $0.18 per square foot.
Maintenance – Hedge trimming costs $185 to $450 on average.
DIY cost to remove shrubs
The DIY cost to remove shrubs is $15 to $60 on average for gloves and a shovel. Renting a skid steer or mini-excavator costs $250 to $450 per day for big jobs.
| Tool | Average price |
|---|---|
| Gloves | $5 – $25 |
| Shovel | $10 – $35 |
| Loppers | $20 – $80 |
| Machete | $20 – $50 |
| Mattock | $15 – $50 |
| Axe | $20 – $65 |
| Woodchipper rental | $80 – $100 per day |
Shrub and bush removal FAQs
When should you remove a bush or hedge?
You should remove a bush or hedge when:
The plant has died.
An infection or pests inside it can spread to nearby plants.
Excessive overgrowth makes it impossible to prune it without harming it.
The roots are growing too close to the foundation.
Can you leave bush roots in the ground?
You can leave bush roots in the ground, but a new bush will grow if the roots get enough nutrients. Consistently trimming or mowing new shoots eventually kills the roots over time. Companies sometimes recommend following up manual removal with an herbicide application.
What’s the difference between a bush, shrub, and hedge?
Hedges are bushes, trees, or shrubs grown closely together to make a fence or boundary. A bush and shrub have few differences since both are woody plants shorter than trees. Sometimes the word “shrub” signifies that it needs pruning to maintain its shape.
Getting estimates from bush and shrub removal services
Before hiring bush and shrub removal service near you, be sure to:
Get at least 3 detailed estimates.
Make sure the companies have licenses, insurance, and surety bonds.
Look for certified arborists or credentials that indicate professionalism.
Only consider businesses with more than 5 years of experience.
Ask to look at a portfolio and references.
Read online customer reviews from Google and HomeGuide.
Ask for a detailed bid and contract copy.
Beware of low estimates that may be a sign of low-quality service.
Avoid paying in-full until the work is complete.
Questions to ask
How many years of experience do you and your crew have?
What equipment do you use to remove bushes?
How will you protect my surrounding landscaping while working?
Do you offer pruning services?
Can you chip the wood into mulch for me?
Will it cost less if I trim the shrubs before you arrive?
How much room do you need for your equipment?
Will you remove all roots?
What happens if you damage my property during bush removal?
Are stump removal costs in your estimate?
Does this bid include debris disposal?
Will you fill the remaining hole with topsoil, and does it cost extra?
Do you offer lawn-repair services after removal?
How long will it take to remove my bushes?
Will you give any guarantees or follow-up services if my bushes grow back?