How Much Does Shrub and Bush Removal Cost?
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Shrub and bush removal cost depends on a variety of factors, such as plant type and size, geographic location, and accessibility. Overall, the cost ranges from $448 to $1,393, with a national average of $903.
Highlights
- The typical cost to remove shrubs and bushes ranges from $448 to $1,393, with homeowners around the country paying an average of $903.
- There are several factors that can affect the total shrub or bush removal cost, including the size and height or length of the plant as well as the type, the complexity of the root system, the type of soil, the accessibility of the plant, and the cost of labor.
- A shrub or bush may need to be removed if a homeowner notices signs of damage, decay, or fungal disease; if the bush is an invasive species; or if it’s in an inconvenient or dangerous location.
- DIY bush removal is possible, but it’s a time-consuming project that many homeowners prefer to leave to a professional landscaper who has the tools and experience to remove the bush efficiently and properly.
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Luscious landscaping—including attractive bushes, shrubs, and hedges—adds scenery and privacy to a yard, and so it may be surprising that there are times when this type of vegetation needs to be removed. Reasons for removal include plants with signs of damage, decay, or disease; species that are invasive; and plants that are located in dangerous or inconvenient areas on the property. According to Angi and HomeAdvisor, the typical cost range for bush or shrub removal is $448 to $1,393, with a national average of $903. The price of this service depends on various factors, such as the required tools for removing bushes, the bush size and type, the number of bushes to be removed, and the local cost of labor. The total cost to remove vegetation encompasses hauling it away, disposing of the waste, removing the roots, and performing any other necessary work like fixing the landscaping. To find out what bush removal costs locally, homeowners can call around to area landscaping companies for quotes.
Factors in Calculating Shrub and Bush Removal Cost
How much does it cost to remove bushes? To remove a bush or shrub, homeowners can expect to pay from $448 to $1,393, with the national average price to remove shrubs being $903. The price will depend on a number of critical factors, such as bush size and height, bush or hedge length, plant type, root system complexity, soil type, and accessibility of the bush that needs to be removed. Labor rates also vary and entail travel fees, minimum rates, and equipment costs.
Bush Size
One of the most obvious factors in removing bushes from yards is their size. The smaller the bush, the less expensive it is to remove. Because there is less volume and mass, and it has a less complex root system, it is easier to dig a small bush out. It costs between $15 and $300 to remove a bush, depending on its size. For example, honeysuckle, which reaches about 3 feet in height, would cost less money to remove than a camellia, which can grow between 6 and 12 feet tall. As a reference, the following table shows the typical costs per bush based on height.
| Bush Height | Cost Range for Removal |
| Small (1 foot to 2 feet) | $15 to $45 |
| Medium (2 feet to 4 feet) | $40 to $85 |
| Large (4 feet to 6 feet) | $75 to $150 |
| Extra large (over 6 feet) | $150 to $320 |
Homeowners will want to keep in mind that many contractors have a minimum callout fee, which means it makes more sense to have multiple bushes removed at once to save money.
Bush or Hedge Length
The cost to remove a bush or hedge ranges from $40 to $150, depending on the type of hedge, root structure, size, and location. Taking out a hedge is usually quoted by length as opposed to by number of individual plants. Contractors typically consider every 5 feet of hedge as one bush, with the average price at around $100 per bush. However, if the hedge is especially large or dense, then the contractor might charge based on every 2 to 3 feet as one bush.
The following table shows the cost ranges to remove a hedge based on length.
| Hedge Length | Cost Range for Removal |
| 5 feet | $40 to $150 |
| 10 feet | $80 to $300 |
| 15 feet | $120 to $450 |
| 20 feet | $160 to $600 |
| 30 feet | $240 to $900 |
| 50 feet | $400 to $1,500 |
| 75 feet | $1,125 to $2,250 |
| 100 feet | $1,500 to $3,000 |
Plant Type
The type of bush that needs to be removed can influence the price of the project. For starters, plant type dictates its maximum height, and size plays a role in removal price. Some types of plants are more challenging than others to remove and may require more labor and equipment. One key factor is whether the plant is dangerous. Pros will charge more to remove a poisonous oleander than a simple elder. And hawthorns have sharp, painful spines, which make them more difficult to remove. The most common types of bushes and shrubs and their average removal costs are described in a section below.
Root System
The complexity of a bush’s root system can affect the difficulty level in how to uproot a bush. Shrubs and bushes with deeper and more complex roots will require more time, effort, and, of course, money. Some bushes, for example, have wide but shallow roots, while others have deeply penetrating roots like a tree. Homeowners will want to make sure the pro removes the stump as well to avoid subsequent additional work and fees.
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Soil Type
Another important factor in determining the price to remove a bush is the type of soil found on the property. Soil type can impact how easy or hard it is to remove. Homeowners living in regions with thick, dense clay or loam-based soil will be charged more for bush and shrub removal, since removal will be more difficult. Homeowners with light, sandy soil will probably pay less, since it is much easier to remove bushes in that environment. It is also less work to remove bushes from soil filled with stones and little organic matter. Homeowners will want to ask the pro to assess the soil before starting the removal process.
Accessibility
The ease of access of the bush or shrub also plays a role in the cost of its removal. If contractors need to walk a long way to get to the bush, the access route is especially narrow, or the shrubbery is obstructed, then the removal process will take longer, and that will raise labor fees. Bushes sitting up against a house or shed or near power lines can also be difficult to access. In addition, if the terrain is steep, rocky, or marshy, the price tag for removal will be higher. Standalone bushes are less expensive to remove than those up against fences, landscape features, and other root systems.
Labor
Homeowners can call various types of professionals for bush and shrub removal, and each may have a different rate. A general handyman may be able to handle small-bush removal tasks, while landscaping contractors can often handle both small- and medium-bush removal jobs. Finally, an arborist or tree service has special equipment and can tackle the largest and most challenging jobs. However, arborists tend to cost the most out of these three options.
No matter which type of bush removal service a homeowner hires, the company will probably charge a trip fee if travel is required beyond a certain distance. Many also charge a minimum fee to come out to a property, such as charging a minimum of 1 or 2 hours in labor just to remove a single bush. Fees can also vary depending on the home’s geographic location. Finally, some services may tack on an extra cost to cover equipment use, which could run a few hundred dollars.
Additional Costs and Considerations
In addition to knowing the main factors that affect shrub and bush removal cost, a homeowner will want to be aware of some other fees that could add to their overall budget. These could include costs associated with trimming, waste removal, soil replacement, and landscape repair.
Trimming vs. Removal
Instead of removing bushes and shrubs, it might make more sense for a homeowner to just trim them. The cost for trimming trees and bushes depends on the number of plants being trimmed, their size, and the contractor’s charging method (per bush or per hour). Most pros charge $6 to $15 per bush or $50 to $75 per hour for trimming, plus debris removal fees of $25 to $100. The cost to have a hedge trimmed will be about $10 to $20 for every 5 feet of hedge or $50 to $75 per hour, depending on the hedge’s height. Homeowners can expect to pay an additional $25 to $50 fee for waste removal. Some services might offer a total price of $200 to $800 or charge hourly at $50 to $75 per hour to remove the hedge.
Lone Bushes vs. Clusters
It costs less money to remove a single bush than it does to remove clusters or hedges, because it is much easier to remove one bush at a time than a group with densely packed foliage.
Soil Replacement
Another potential cost is the replacement of soil or sod once the bushes or shrubs have been removed from the yard. A removal project could result in holes that need to be filled in. Topsoil costs $10 to as much as $180 per cubic yard. The price will depend on type and quality of the soil, the amount needed, and any delivery fees. Having new sod professionally installed by a landscaper will cost $0.87 to $1.76 per square foot.
Landscape Repair
One of the unexpected costs of bush removal is the landscape repair that may need to happen after the project is complete. Homeowners will want to keep in mind that pros often do not include landscape repair in their removal service rate, so it needs to be done either by one of the best landscaping companies or the homeowner. Landscapers charge in the range of $50 to $100 per hour, but it may be more helpful for a homeowner to explore rates based on the job at hand. The following table shows some price points for homeowners to keep in mind for landscape repair.
| Landscape Repair Type | Average Cost |
| Flower bed installation | $1,000 to $3,000 |
| Lawn seeding | $0.04 to $0.18 per square foot |
| Fence installation | $13 to $50 per linear foot |
| Mulch installation | $70 to $120 |
| Yard leveling or regrading | $0.40 to $1 per square foot |
| Lawn replacement (sod installation) | $1 to $2 per square foot |
Waste Removal
After the plant removal project is complete, the remaining waste will need to be hauled off and disposed of properly. It costs between $25 and $100 per bush to remove and dispose of the waste. This total price will vary depending on geographic location, local dump fees, and contractor rates.
Types of Shrub and Bush Removal
Each type of shrub, bush, or tree removal process comes with its own challenges. This could involve plant size, accessibility, or potential toxicity. The price of each project depends on what is being removed. This section highlights some typical kinds of vegetation removal and what each will cost the homeowner.
| Project Type | Average Cost for Removal |
| Blackberry bush removal | $100 to $250 |
| Bush stump removal | $50 to $100 (per hour) |
| Oleander removal | $50 to $200 |
| Tree removal | $300 to $2,000 |
| Tree stump removal | $12 to $24 |
| Vine or poison ivy removal | $200 to $500 |
Blackberry Bush Removal
To remove a blackberry bush, homeowners can expect to pay between $100 and $250 per bush on average or $50 to $125 per hour. Blackberry roots can spread up to 30 feet, so it is challenging to remove them. The best way to remove bushes of this species is to do it by hand or with a backhoe.
Oleander Removal
Although beautiful with attractive flowers, oleander is toxic if ingested. This plant may suffer from diseases like leaf scorch. Therefore, some homeowners, especially those with children and pets, choose to have oleander removed for safety reasons. It costs $50 to $200 per bush to remove oleander that is 3 feet to 8 feet tall. Oleander has extensive root systems that produce new shoots if not taken out properly, so it is important to have an expert handle this type of removal.
Stump Removal
Although a homeowner may be able to tackle a stump on their own by using one of the best stump killers, experts know how to remove bush stumps and tree stumps effectively. Tree stump removal cost depends on the stump diameter, though professionals will typically charge $12 to $24 per stump that is 3 feet to 6 feet wide. They also tack on a minimum service fee of $80 to $160 to complete the project. When charging by the hour, a pro will generally ask for $50 to $100 per hour to dig up a bush stump. Grinding up a tree stump costs about $100 to $250 per stump.
Tree Removal
The best tree removal services typically charge between $300 and $2,000 per tree. The cost is higher than the cost for bush removal because this project needs heavier equipment and can take longer. The price varies depending on the size, type, and accessibility of the tree. Homeowners will want to check to see if the tree removal service provider includes cleanup, disposal, and stump removal in the fee.
Vine or Poison Ivy Removal
Overgrown vines and poison ivy can be a real nuisance to homeowners, prompting them to get rid of this type of foliage. Depending on the removal method and accessibility of the poison ivy or vines, professional removal services cost in the range of $200 to $500.
Do I Need Shrub and Bush Removal?
Just as there are clear signs when to remove a tree, there are certain characteristics to look for when homeowners are deciding if it is time to remove a bush or shrub. Some indicators include noticeable damage, decay, or fungal disease. Discovering that there is an invasive species in one’s yard can also trigger removal. Finally, sometimes a plant is located in an inconvenient or dangerous spot, making removal the best option.
Signs of Damage or Decay
Signs of damage or decay are a good reason to remove evergreen bushes and other types of bushes and shrubs from the yard. Homeowners will want to look for wood rot, which causes wood to decay in the plants. In addition to causing dead branches, wood rot can lead to brittle, stringy, and crumbling wood that weakens the plant. Dead or dying plants will need to be taken out and replaced with new vegetation when possible.
Fungal Disease
Unhealthy vegetation infested with disease is another reason for a homeowner to choose removal. The disease can easily spread to other plants on the property, leading to major problems and more costs. Spots on the plant are usually a sign that something is wrong. There are a few common diseases to keep an eye out for. Anthracnose is a very common fungus that causes lesions on leaves and twigs and between leaf veins. Leaf spots are a plant fungus that can weaken leaves and lead to leaf drop, which makes them vulnerable to insects and other pests. Phytophthora, typically found on woody plants, is a harmful disease that can cause root rot. Rust, which looks like orange spores and powder, is a fungus that attacks entire sections of a plant and can cause it to become deformed. When unsure about a plant’s health, a homeowner will want to contact a professional to come out and do an assessment.
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