Grass Removal Cost in 2026: Pricing by Yard Size & Method

Grass Removal Cost in 2026: Pricing by Yard Size and Method

Grass removal costs between $0.50 and $1.20 per square foot on average. For a typical 1,000 square foot yard, expect to pay $500 to $2,000 for professional removal including labor and disposal. The final price depends on your removal method, yard accessibility, and local labor rates.

Whether you're replacing an old lawn, converting to xeriscaping, or preparing for a landscaping project, understanding these costs upfront helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises.

How Much Does Grass Removal Cost by Yard Size?

Labor drives most of the expense. 

Professional landscapers typically charge $45 to $95 per hour to dig out turf, and larger yards require more time.

Here's what to expect based on the area you need cleared:

These estimates include hauling away the removed sod. When disposal is factored in separately, sod removal runs $0.50 to $2.00 per square foot.

Larger or hard-to-access lawns tend toward the higher end of these ranges.

Grass Removal Methods and Their Costs

The method you choose significantly impacts both cost and timeline. Here's how the main options compare.

Manual Removal with Shovels or Sod Cutters

This is the most common professional approach. Landscapers use flat shovels or walk-behind sod cutters to strip the grass and roots in sections.

Professional labor runs $45 to $95 per hour. A small job often totals a few hundred dollars.

If you want to DIY, renting a self-propelled sod cutter (12-inch width) costs roughly $100 to $120 per day. Manual sod cutters rent for $20 to $30 per day.

Herbicide Treatment

Applying glyphosate kills the grass over one to two weeks. Professional application costs $40 to $200 per treatment.

The catch: you'll likely still need to remove the dead turf afterward, which adds to total project costs.

Sheet Mulching

Also called "lasagna gardening," this method smothers grass by layering cardboard and mulch over the lawn. The grass decomposes over several months.

Sheet mulching costs approximately $0.70 to $1.20 per square foot for materials and labor.

Solarization

Covering your lawn with heavy clear plastic heats the soil and kills the grass over four to eight weeks during warm months.

This is the cheapest option at roughly $0.10 per square foot (just the cost of plastic). However, the extended timeline doesn't work for everyone.

Cost Comparison by Method

What Affects Grass Removal Costs?

Beyond yard size and method, several factors can push your costs higher.

Yard slope and obstacles. Trees, rocks, sprinkler heads, and uneven terrain all add labor time. Providers need to work around these carefully, which slows the job.

Accessibility. If trucks can't get close to your yard, hauling removed sod takes longer. Tight side yards or fenced backyards may require additional labor.

Disposal fees. Some contractors include disposal in their quote. 

Others charge separately for dump fees or debris hauling. Clarify this before booking.

Regional pricing. Labor rates vary significantly by location. Urban areas with higher costs of living typically have higher landscaping rates.

Condition of the lawn. Overgrown or heavily rooted grass takes more effort to remove than well-maintained turf.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional for Grass Removal

For small areas like garden beds or narrow strips, DIY removal makes financial sense. A weekend of shovel work or a day with a rented sod cutter can save hundreds of dollars.

DIY works best when:

• The area is under 500 square feet

• You have somewhere to dispose of the sod (composting works)

• You're physically able to handle the labor

• You're not on a tight deadline

Hiring a professional makes more sense when:

• The area exceeds 500 square feet

• You need the job done quickly

• Your yard has obstacles or difficult access

• You don't have disposal options

For mid-sized projects, the math gets closer. Renting equipment plus your time investment may approach professional pricing, especially if you factor in disposal logistics.

How to Save Money on Grass Removal

Get Multiple Quotes

Pricing varies significantly between providers. Getting three to five quotes helps you understand the local market and find competitive rates.

Online platforms make this easier than calling around. On GreenPal, you can submit your project details and receive multiple bids from local lawn care professionals, often within minutes. Comparing quotes side-by-side lets you evaluate both price and provider reviews before deciding.

Do Small Areas Yourself

Even if you hire out the bulk of the work, removing grass from small garden beds or edges yourself can trim the total cost.

Check for Municipal Rebates

Many cities offer rebates for turf removal as part of water conservation programs. These can range from $800 to $4,500 depending on your location and the square footage removed. Check with your local water utility before starting your project.

Time Your Project Strategically

Landscapers are busiest in spring and early summer. Scheduling grass removal during slower periods (late fall or winter in mild climates) may get you better rates.

What Comes After Grass Removal?

If you're planning to install new sod after removal, budget for that separately. Replacing old grass with new sod typically costs $1.50 to $4.00 per square foot including the sod, soil prep, and installation.

Alternative ground covers like mulch, gravel, or drought-tolerant plants have their own cost ranges. Factor in your full landscaping plan when budgeting for grass removal.

Get Started on Your Lawn Project

Grass removal is often the first step toward a better outdoor space. Whether you're starting fresh with new sod, converting to low-water landscaping, or preparing for a patio installation, understanding the costs helps you plan confidently.

Ready to get quotes for your project? Find local lawn care professionals in your area and compare pricing in minutes.