Accurately determining the cost of removing a shrub can be challenging without a direct evaluation of the work, as each shrub varies. Thus, it’s prudent to invite the contractors to your residence for them to provide a precise estimate.
The cost of shrub removal can run between $25 to $350, depending on the size and type of the shrub. Many tree companies that offer shrub removal services will charge by the hour for this service. The hourly rate runs between $25 to $75, depending on your location.
Many homeowners can decide to DIY the shrub removal, but it is safer to hire a professional tree service company for the job.
Tree service companies categorize shrubs and bush removal1 into four size groups which are small, medium, large, and very large shrubs. You can estimate what it will cost to remove the shrub in your yard by placing it in one of the classes listed below:
| Shrub Size | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Small Shrubs (1 - 2 feet) | $30 | $50 |
| Medium shrubs (2 - 4 feet) | $50 | $100 |
| Large shrubs (4 - 6 feet) | $100 | $150 |
| Extra Large shrubs (Beyond 6 feet) | $150 | $350 |
Factors affecting the cost of shrub removal
- Size of the shrub: Smaller shrubs are easier to remove compared to the ones with established roots. Thus, it is cheaper to remove small shrubs than bigger ones.
- Type of tree: The different types of trees are a variable that determines how difficult it can be to cut a particular tree since some trees will be harder to cut than others.
- The surrounding terrain: The nature of the earth around the shrub and its accessibility will also determine if you’ll be paying more or less.
- Stump Removal: If you need to remove a stump with an elaborate root system, this may cause you to pay an additional cost for your shrub removal.
Additional cost implications for shrub removal
Waste Disposal: Apart from the labor services, you also need to account for the cost of waste disposal. This can cost between $25 to $100 per bush. It depends on the amount of waste and the hauling distance.
Soil replacement: If you’re removing large shrubs, you may sometimes end up with a few significant holes that may require soil replacement. Replacing with screened topsoil costs around $20 per cubic yard.
The cost and material and labor per cubic yard of soil replacement can cost you up to $180. The actual cost will depend on the type and quality of the soil, the number of holes needed to be filled, and whether you have to pay for the cost of delivery.
Rejuvenation: You may need to replace the old shrubs with new plants or turf grass if your plan is to rejuvenate your yard. You can consider hiring lawn experts to do the job for you.
DIY shrub removal process
Step 1: Clip the branches
Measure 15 – 20 inches from the ground level and remove the branches above that height. It will help if you cut off all the branches that come out of the trunk.
With the aid of a pruning shear, clip off the stems growing out of the trunk, leaving out just a few of them at the tip. Usually, it is meant to provide extra grip in case you are unable to remove the bush and need to tie it to a chain to pull it off.
Step 2: Dig around the trunk
To loosen the grip of the earth on the soil, you need to dig the soil around the trunk. You’ll do this until you french the roots which you can cut through with your shovel.
Step 3: Cut through the root
As soon as the roots start showing up, you should cut each one through using an ax and shovel. This will gradually disconnect the main trunk from the roots until you can easily remove your shrubs completely. If it is not easy to remove the shrub after disconnecting most of the roots, it will at least make it extremely loose so you can pull it out easily.
Step 4: Pull out the trunk
When you make the trunk loose enough, it’ll become very easy for you to pull it off the ground. If you are unable to pull it out easily, you can use a shovel to dig out the roots. Bush root removal can be sometimes challenging. So, if you’re finding it difficult to do, you can call professional tree removal companies.
Step 5: Remove the debris
Now that you’ve removed the shrub, the job is almost done. Meanwhile, it is not complete until you have a clean landscape. The next thing is to get a waste disposal vehicle, probably a smart cart. You can then fill the cart with the debris and discard it.
Step 6: Soil Replacement
If you’ve pulled out a lot of roots from the soil, you will likely have several holes that need to be refilled. It’s important to fill these holes with earth so everything will be back to normal.
Get free shrub removal quotes
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- Scroll up to the top of the page and enter your ZIP Code in the blue form at the top of the page.
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- Your details are forwarded on to the closest three tree services all voted best priced who will also price your tree job.
Why you may need shrub removal
Overgrown
Overgrown shrubs in your yard will block the sunlight from reaching the useful plants around. When it is no longer easy to prune the shrubs, you can consider complete shrub removal so that the neighboring plants will have enough nutrients to survive and stay healthy.
Poor health
Shrubs can sometimes be easily infected with diseases and pests and this can be easily transferred to neighboring plants and trees if not eliminated. Infested shrubs will not only transfer the pests and diseases to the neighboring plants but can also destroy the nutrients present in the soil and diminish the value of the land.
Re-landscaping
In case you want to re-landscape your property, it would be good to start with shrub removal so you can have a clean terrain to accommodate new planting ideas.
- Nick Cellucci, (2024) How Much Does Shrub Removal Cost? <https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/lawn-care/shrub-removal-cost/> Accessed: 18-03-2024
