1. Average Costs

• DIY Pond Removal: $310–$500.
• Professional Removal: $300–$800.
• Filling Materials (dirt or gravel): $150–$250.
• Grass Seed: $15–$30 for a 150 sq. ft. pond.

2. Breakdown of Costs

Materials

• Pump: $100–$150 to drain water.
• Jackhammer Rental (for concrete base): $60–$100/day.
• Filler (dirt or gravel): $150–$250.
• Topsoil: $12–$180 per cubic yard.
• Grass Seed: $0.10–$0.20/sq. ft.

Labor Costs

• Small ponds (accessible by truck): $300–$500.
• Larger ponds (manual labor required): $500–$800.
• Hourly Rate for Landscaping Work: $70–$150/hour.

By Size

• Small ponds: $300–$600.
• Large ponds with concrete or complex features: $700–$1,000+.

3. Additional Costs to Consider

a. Moving Large Rocks

• Compact Excavator Rental: $270–$440/day for removing heavy landscaping elements.

b. Wildlife Relocation

• Professional Wildlife Removal: $190–$600 (for koi fish or aquatic animals).

c. Post-Removal Landscaping

• Reverting to Lawn: $12–$180 (topsoil) + $0.10–$0.20/sq. ft. (grass seed).
• Garden or Patio Installation: Prices vary depending on complexity.

4. DIY vs. Professional Pond Removal

DIY Pond Removal

• Costs: $310–$500 for tools and materials.
• Pros: Lower cost if you already have or can borrow tools.
• Cons: Labor-intensive and may require jackhammering concrete.

Professional Removal

• Costs: $300–$800 (labor and materials included).
• Pros: Faster, efficient, and guarantees proper drainage.
• Cons: Slightly higher upfront cost.

5. Steps to Remove a Pond

• Remove Wildlife: Relocate fish or plants safely.
• Drain Water: Use a submersible pump ($100–$150).
• Break Concrete Base (if needed): Use a jackhammer rental ($60–$100/day).
• Remove Liner: Clear out the pond liner.
• Fill with Dirt/Gravel: Add filler ($150–$250).
• Topsoil Addition: Cover with topsoil ($12–$180 per cubic yard).
• Replant or Landscape: Add grass seed ($0.10–$0.20/sq. ft.) or plan for other landscaping.

6. Tips to Save Money

• Borrow tools (pump, jackhammer) from neighbors or rent to save costs.
• Do the initial prep work, like draining water, yourself.
• Opt for simple landscaping post-removal to reduce additional expenses.
• Get multiple quotes from professional pond services to ensure competitive pricing.

Converting a pond back into usable yard space can improve safety and reduce maintenance costs. Whether you tackle it DIY or hire a pro, the key is efficient planning and execution!

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