Lawn Removal Cost Guide
On February 16, 2025 By newsroom Topic: Home Services
Average Costs
- Per Square Foot: $1–$3.
- Sod Removal Only: $0.50–$2 per square foot.
- Sod Removal & Reseeding: $1–$3 per square foot.
- Sod Removal & Resodding: $1.50–$4 per square foot.
Cost by Yard Size
| Yard Size | Sod Removal Only | Plus Reseeding/Resodding |
|----------------|-----------------------|-----------------------------|
| 100 sq. ft. | $50–$200 | $100–$400 |
| 300 sq. ft. | $150–$600 | $300–$1,200 |
| 1,000 sq. ft. | $500–$2,000 | $1,000–$4,000 |
| 5,000 sq. ft. | $2,500–$10,000 | $5,000–$20,000 |
| ¼ acre | $5,500–$22,000 | $11,000–$43,600 |
| 1 acre | $21,800–$87,200 | $43,600–$174,300 |
Additional Cost Factors
- Labor
- $0.50–$2 per square foot for sod removal labor.
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Reseeding or resodding adds $0.50–$2 per square foot.
-
Prep Work
- Land Clearing: $500–$5,600 per acre.
-
Yard Leveling: $1–$2 per square foot or up to $45,000 per acre.
-
Cleanup
- Sod disposal: $0.25–$0.50 per square foot.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
DIY Costs
- Rent a sod cutter: ~$80/day.
- Dumpster rental for sod disposal: $300–$500/week.
- Disposal through yard waste programs: $2–$4 for 5-pack of 30-gallon bags.
Pros
- DIY is more cost-effective for small areas.
- Labor-intensive and time-consuming for larger yards.
Hiring a Pro
- Recommended for larger areas or high-quality results.
- Includes expertise in removal, reseeding, or resodding.
Add-Ons to Consider
| Add-On | Cost |
|--------------------------------|---------------------------|
| Lawn Fertilization | $0.02–$0.08 per sq. ft. |
| Lawn Aeration | $80–$175 |
| New Sprinkler System | $1,700–$3,600 |
| Mulching | $30–$120 per cubic yard |
| Soil Testing | $20–$100 |
| Topsoil | $12–$55 per cubic yard |
| Artificial Turf | $2–$8 per sq. ft. |
| Concrete Patio Installation | $1,800–$4,900 |
Money-Saving Tips
- Compare Quotes: Get estimates from at least three landscaping services.
- Opt for Reseeding: Cheaper than resodding.
- Choose Lawn Alternatives: Xeriscaping or native plants save on maintenance.
- DIY Cleanup: Handle yard waste removal to reduce costs.
- Low-Maintenance Landscaping: Avoid replacing with a traditional grass lawn.
Lawn removal opens doors for landscaping transformations. Whether you DIY or hire a pro, this guide ensures you budget wisely!
