My Yard's Square Footage

Don't know your square footage? Use our lawn square footage calculator

Labor Cost

Typical cost of $50-200 per hour

$50 / hr
Hours of Labor

Roughly 1 hour per 100 square feet

3.657 hours
Disposal Costs

Costs to load and haul away old materials, installation waste and associated debris. Roughly $60 per 100 square feet.

$
calculator graphic

Sod Removal Calculator
Instant Cost Estimate for Removing Sod

Square Foot Cost$0.97
Total Cost$483

In September 2024, the average cost of removing sod from your yard in the United States is between $0.95 and $1.75 per square foot.

Our calculator considers various factors such as square footage, labor costs, disposal fees and more. It's an easy-to-use tool that provides you with an instant estimate. Now let's dive deeper into understanding how it works and what factors affect the cost.

Factors Affecting Removal Service Prices Near You

When it comes to removing sod, the cost might vary. Several factors play a role in determining this expense:

  • Area Size: There's a direct correlation between the size of your lawn and the cost. Bigger lawns need more work and hence have higher costs.
  • Sod Type: Different types of grass come with different removal difficulties. Hardier varieties can be more challenging (and costly) to remove.
  • Labor Costs: Labor rates depend on your geographical location and can significantly affect the total cost.
FactorHow it affects cost
Area SizeLarger areas increase labor time and disposal requirements, raising costs.
Sod TypeHardier or denser sods may require special equipment for removal, increasing expenses.
Labor CostsVary by region; higher labor costs will directly influence overall project cost

Remember that every case is unique! Always seek professional advice when calculating potential costs for sod removal projects.

Tips to Reduce the Cost of Sod Removal and Replacement

Considering a lawn makeover, but worried about the cost? Don't sweat! Here are some practical tips that can help reduce your sod removal expenses:

  • DIY: One of the most effective ways to save money is by doing it yourself. There's plenty of online guides and tutorials available.

  • Rent Equipment: Instead of buying all the necessary tools, consider renting. It’s cheaper and more practical especially if you’re not planning on using them again soon.

  • Sell Your Old Sod: If your old grass is still in good condition, try selling it or giving it away instead of paying someone to take it off your hands.

Here's how you could approach these options:

  1. Start with DIY where possible - removing smaller areas isn’t too labor-intensive.
  2. Look into equipment rental stores near you and compare prices.
  3. Evaluate the quality of your existing sod; if viable, advertise online or check out local landscaping groups interested in used turf.

Want to Do It Yourself? DIY Techniques and Tips

When it comes to removing sod, there are several methods you can use to make the task more efficient. Whether you're looking to clear a small patch in your garden or a larger area for a landscaping project, these methods can help you get the job done effectively:

    Sod Cutter:
  1. A sod cutter is a machine specifically designed for removing sod.
  2. It slices through the grass and roots, allowing you to roll up and remove large sections of sod more quickly.
  3. Sod cutters can be rented from equipment rental stores and are ideal for larger areas.

    Chemical Herbicides:
  1. Herbicides can be used to kill the grass before removing the sod.
  2. Select a herbicide that is safe to use on grass and follow the application instructions carefully.
  3. Once the grass has died, it becomes easier to remove the sod manually or with a sod cutter.

    Solarization:
  1. This method involves covering the area with clear plastic to trap heat from the sun.
  2. The heat builds up underneath the plastic, effectively killing the grass and roots.
  3. After a few weeks, the dead grass can be easily removed.

    Tilling:
  1. Tilling involves using a garden tiller to break up the sod and mix it into the soil.
  2. This method is suitable when you want to incorporate the grass into the existing soil.
  3. However, keep in mind that tilling can be labor-intensive and may require multiple passes to fully break up the sod.

Remember, the most suitable method for sod removal depends on the size of the area, your preference, and the tools available to you. Choose the method that best fits your needs and get ready to transform your landscape!