How much does sod and grass removal cost?
How much does sod and grass removal cost?
$0.50 – $2.00 cost per square foot – remove grass
$1.00 – $3.00 cost per square foot – remove sod & replace lawn
Grass removal cost
Sod removal costs $0.50 to $2.00 per square foot, including disposal. The cost of removing grass is $250 to $1,000 per 500 square feet. The cost to replace a lawn is $1 to $3 per square foot. Grass removal service costs depend on the lawn size, location, and site accessibility.
| Lawn size | Average cost |
|---|---|
| 100 square feet | $50 – $200 |
| 300 square feet | $150 – $600 |
| 500 square feet | $250 – $1,000 |
| 1,000 square feet | $500 – $2,000 |
| 3,000 square feet | $1,500 – $6,000 |
| 5,000 square feet | $2,500 – $10,000 |
| 1/4 acre | $5,400 – $21,800 |
| 1/2 acre | $10,900 – $43,500 |
| 3/4 acre | $16,300 – $65,300 |
| 1 acre | $21,800 – $87,000 |
*Including disposal.
Sod removal cost breakdown
Sod removal costs depend on the lawn’s condition and size, local labor rates, disposal fees, and site accessibility.
| Factor | Average cost per square foot |
|---|---|
| Labor and equipment | $0.25 – $1.50 |
| Disposal | $0.25 – $0.50 |
| Total cost | $0.50 – $2.00 |
Additional cost factors include:
Labor – Contractors charge $50 to $100 per hour with minimum service fees of $90 to $200 for the first hour of consultations and work.
Lawn replacement rebate programs – Collect $800 to $4,500 in rebates from the local city government for removing a lawn of at least 200 to 500 square feet. City utility programs support alternative landscaping that uses less water.
Equipment – Renting a sod cutter costs $100 to $120 per day.
Access – Hard-to-access locations for equipment increase labor costs.
Travel – Additional travel costs may apply for locations outside service areas.
Obstacles – Sprinkler heads, garden beds, boulders, and other decorative landscape features take longer to work around.
Shape – Complex lawns with multiples curves, steep slopes, or corners may need more manual removing methods that take longer.
Additional projects – Extra costs that apply after sod removal include:
Re-grading a yard costs $0.40 to $2.00 per square foot to level a yard.
Mulch costs $35 to $110 per yard delivered and installed.
Landscapers charge $50 to $100 per hour for additional yard work.
Artificial turf removal cost
The cost to remove artificial turf is $50 to $100 hourly plus $50 to $60 per 100 square feet for hauling and disposal. Alternatively, replacing artificial turf costs $6 to $17 per square foot. Artificial grass lasts 15 to 25 years on average.
Ask contractors for recycling options and discounts on installing new turf.
Cost to remove grass and replace lawn
Lawn replacement costs $1 to $3 per square foot on average for removing the old grass, soil-prep work with fertilizing, and new seeding. The cost to remove grass and lay sod is $1.50 to $4.00 per square foot.
In comparison:
The cost to overseed or reseed a lawn is $0.04 to $0.18 per square foot for filling in existing lawns.
Hydroseeding costs $0.07 to $0.22 per square foot installed on bare dirt.
New sod installation costs $1 to $2 per square foot after prep work.
Sod removal FAQs
When do I need to remove grass?
You need to remove grass when replacing a lawn or when transforming the land for a different purpose.
Common projects include:
The cost to build a deck is $3,600 to $20,000.
A concrete patio costs $1,200 to $4,300.
An in-ground pool costs $25,000 to $100,000.
River rock prices are $45 to $130 per ton as a lawn alternative.
How to remove grass
The steps to remove a lawn and replace it with new sod are:
Protect the sprinkler heads and pipes.
Call 811 to check the locations of underground utilities.
Cut out the old lawn with a sod-cutting machine.
Remove and dispose of the old grass.
Test the remaining soil and fertilize as necessary.
Perform pest control if needed.
Level the lawn.
Install new sod.
Finding and hiring a landscaper
Before hiring a landscaping company near you, be sure to:
Research full-service landscaping companies that offer sod removal.
Look at online reviews on Google and HomeGuide.
Get 3 or more estimates from different companies.
Beware of low estimates that can mean low-quality service.
Ask if they have landscaping contractor licenses required in some states.
See if they’ve taken courses on landscaping design, safety, or irrigation systems.
Choose insured and bonded lawn care companies.
Ask for a signed contract with detailed work and payment information.
If replacing sod, make sure the contract includes warranties or maintenance agreements.
Check with the local government or homeowners association (HOA) to make sure the removal method complies with regulations.
Never make a complete payment up front.
Questions to ask
How much experience do you have in lawn removal?
What type of lawn care do you specialize in?
Can you provide references?
Do I need soil amendments or a new layer of topsoil before replacing sod?
What type of new sod do you recommend?
Can you help me select other plants if I don’t want a new lawn?
Do you know any rebates I can apply for when converting my lawn into drought-friendly landscaping?
Are you aware of any local ordinances that limit my lawn-removal choices?
Which lawn-removal method do you recommend?
How long will it take to remove my grass?
Does your estimate include disposal?
How can I protect my sprinkler system?
Should I expect any extra costs?
What happens if you accidentally damage my property?
Do you offer any discounts for combined landscaping services?
Will you use any chemical treatments or weed-control sprays?
Do you warranty your sod installations?