How much does landscape rock removal cost?
How much does landscape rock removal cost?
$50 – $200 cost per cubic yard to relocate on the same property
$220 – $250 average cost per cubic yard to remove
Average cost to remove landscape rock
Landscape rock removal costs $50 to $250 per cubic yard, depending on the location, job complexity, and whether you need the rocks moved to a different part of the property or removed and disposed of completely. The labor cost to remove landscape rock ranges from $50 to $150 per hour per worker.
| Fee structure | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Per hour per worker | $50 – $150* |
| Per cubic yard (to relocate on the same property) | $50 – $200 |
| Per cubic yard (to remove & dispose) | $220 – $250 |
*Not including disposal fees
One cubic yard is a volume measuring 3 feet wide, 3 feet long, and 3 feet tall.
One cubic yard of rock would fill about 9 to 14 loads in a standard wheelbarrow.
Landscape rock removal cost by load size
The cost to remove landscape rock varies depending primarily on the project size. The more rocks you need removed, the higher the cost. The table below shows the average removal cost for various load sizes.
| Load size | Average cost to relocate | Average cost to remove |
|---|---|---|
| Small (up to 2 cubic yards) | $100 – $400 | $440 – $500 |
| Medium (4 cubic yards) | $200 – $800 | $880 – $1,000 |
| Large (6 cubic yards) | $300 – $1,200 | $1,300 – $1,500 |
Boulder removal cost
Boulder removal costs anywhere from $250 to $1,000 or more, depending on the size and site conditions. Removing a boulder costs more than standard landscape rock removal because of the additional challenges that these large, heavy rocks present. Removing a boulder typically requires:
Heavy equipment like an excavator or skid steer
Additional labor and safety precautions
Specialized transportation
Depending on the size, workers may also need to drill to split the boulder into more manageable pieces for transport.
Landscaping rock removal cost factors
Several key factors influence the total cost of a landscape rock removal project:
Accessibility: The ease of accessing your work site significantly impacts the cost. Removing rocks from a property with limited access or backyard obstacles requires more time and labor, often increasing costs by 25% to 50%.
Project size: The volume of rock being removed directly affects your total cost. Small projects under 5 cubic yards cost less overall but typically cost more per yard. Larger projects over 20 cubic yards may qualify for volume discounts.
Soil type & terrain: Ground conditions can significantly affect labor and equipment needs. Professionals charge more to remove landscape rocks from slopes or unstable soil conditions due to additional safety measures and equipment requirements.
Permit requirements: Most basic rock removal projects don't require permits, but larger projects or work in protected areas may need local permits, which adds to the cost. Some districts also require specific disposal permits.
Local disposal fees: Landfill fees range from $30 to $60 per ton if you do the job yourself. When hiring a professional service, disposal fees range from $50 to $250+, as these charges include not only the landfill fees but also the travel time, labor, and vehicle wear and tear.
Equipment needs: While basic hand tools and wheelbarrows are typically included in standard rates, projects requiring heavy equipment like excavators, skid-steers, or specialized lifting equipment for removing boulders may incur additional costs.
Labor
The labor cost to remove landscape rock typically ranges from $50 to $150 per hour per worker. Most residential rock removal projects need 2 to 3 workers. For boulders and large-scale rock removal projects, the cost to hire an excavator with their own equipment ranges from $100 to $300 per hour.
Remember to factor in the cost to haul away and dispose of the rocks once they've been removed. Hourly labor rates for rock removal typically do not include transportation or disposal fees.
Rock removal & disposal methods
The best way to get rid of unwanted landscape rocks depends on the amount you have, the reason for removing them, and whether you want to do any of the work yourself.
New landscaping project
If you're removing the rocks to make way for a newly designed landscape, some contractors may include the rock removal in the cost of the new landscaping installation. They may also be able to incorporate some of the old rocks into the new design, reducing the removal and disposal costs.
Junk removal service
Hiring a junk removal service costs $400 to $500+ to remove a full truckload. The exact cost depends on the job size, local disposal fees, travel distance, and the number of workers needed. This option is best for smaller rock removal projects.
Ask for an on-site estimate to ensure an accurate quote for the job. The labor involved in landscape rock removal varies widely depending on the number and size of the rocks and how easy or difficult they are to remove.
Dumpster rental
Renting a dumpster costs $220 to $580 per week for a 10-yard roll-off dumpster. This size fits 3 to 4 pickup truck loads and is the most common for landscape rock removal. Anything larger may be too heavy to haul if you fill it completely.
For DIY loading, remember to factor in the cost of any necessary tools and supplies like gloves, a rake, a shovel, and a wheelbarrow. A dirt sifter is handy for smaller rocks. For larger rocks, a metal pry bar is helpful for leverage. Renting a mini excavator costs $200 to $700 per day.
Landscape rock removal FAQs
What is the easiest way to remove landscape rocks?
The easiest way to remove landscape rocks is to use a combination of tools and techniques that minimize effort. For large projects or boulders, hire a landscaping professional to ensure safety and proper equipment usage.
For small DIY rock removal projects:
Use a shovel to loosen the rocks from the ground and a lawn rake to gather them.
For larger embedded rocks, use a pry bar or a pickaxe to help break them free.
Use a wheelbarrow to transport the rocks to a disposal area.
Consider renting a rock vacuum or a mini excavator to save time and energy.
Where can you dispose of landscape rocks?
Several options exist for rock disposal. First, try listing the rocks on free marketplace websites. While you no longer want the rocks in your yard, other homeowners may be looking for rocks for their new landscape project and will happily take them off your hands.
Other possible disposal options include:
Local landscaping companies
Construction recycling centers
Community garden projects
Reuse stores like Habitat for Humanity ReStores
Landscape supply yards
Municipal waste facilities
What size dumpster do I need for landscape rock disposal?
The dumpster size you need will depend on the amount of rock you are removing. In most cases, a 10-yard dumpster is the best choice for rock disposal. Landscaping rocks are extremely heavy, so filling a dumpster larger than 10 cubic yards may result in a dumpster that's too heavy to haul away.
Getting estimates from rock removal companies
When searching for a rock removal service near you, be sure to:
Get 3+ on-site estimates with similar services to compare.
Verify the company you hire is licensed, bonded, and insured.
Look for companies with consistently positive reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Request a detailed estimate in writing.
Be cautious of extremely low quotes as this may indicate inferior quality work or lack of experience.
Don't pay in full until the job is complete.
Questions to ask a rock removal service
Asking the right questions will ensure you hire the right pro for your rock removal job. Here are some key questions to ask:
How many years have you been in business?
Are you licensed and insured to perform this job in this location?
Do you have a list of references I can contact?
Where do you dispose of the rocks?
Will you provide a written estimate with a breakdown of all the costs?
Does the estimate include all removal, disposal, and travel expenses?
Are there any additional fees besides what you've quoted?
How many people will be working on this?
How soon are you available for this removal job?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.