Shrub removers near you

Shrub removal is the process of completely taking out small to medium-sized perennial woody plants, commonly referred to as shrubs or bushes, from your landscape. This typically involves cutting down the shrub and then digging out or grinding the root system to prevent it from growing back.

Having unwanted shrubs removed is a good idea for several reasons, including:

• Yard transformation: Removing shrubs clears space for new landscaping designs and often creates a more open and usable yard.

• Landscape health: Eliminating overgrown shrubs improves sunlight and airflow, potentially reducing the risk of pests and diseases for surrounding plants.

• Safety and accessibility: Hiring a landscaper near you for shrub removal can eliminate hiding spots for potential intruders and make navigating your property easier.

• Property value: Well-maintained landscaping can enhance your home’s curb appeal and might even improve its market value.  

Shrub removal involves taking the entire plant out of the ground, while trimming is used to cut back parts of the plant to make it smaller or form a specific shape. 

Trimming is usually focused on aesthetics, but it can also remove damaged areas or reduce the overall size of the shrub. It's a maintenance activity for people who want to keep their shrubs but reduce the space they take up or improve their health. Some people form their shrubs into different shapes, such as round balls or animals, although this can be complex and time consuming.

Removal on the other hand is commonly done to replace the shrub with something else or dispose of a dead shrub.

When searching for a professional shrub removal service, take these steps:

• Verify their license and insurance: Be sure each pro has a valid business license and contractor’s license, if required in your area. If possible, look for certifications from the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and/or similar organizations. Also, confirm they carry liability insurance, are bonded and have workers’ compensation coverage.   

• Get multiple estimates: Request written estimates from at least three shrub removal companies near you. Each estimate should include labor costs, equipment fees, debris disposal and any extra services like stump grinding.  

• Read their reviews: Check online reviews for positive and negative feedback. Be wary of any complaints about hidden fees, unfinished work and shrub regrowth.  

• Look at their portfolios: Ask landscapers to see before-and-after photos of previous shrub removal jobs. Look for signs of complete removal, minimal damage to surrounding areas and proper site cleanup.

• Inquire about warranties: Check that they guarantee their work. A reputable landscaping professional should stand by their service and be willing to fix any problems.

• Ask important questions: Before hiring, ask questions regarding how they will protect your other plants, how they will remove the roots, and what will happen if the shrubs start growing back.

For more tips, visit Thumbtack’s Smart Hiring page.

The national average cost for shrub and bush removal ranges from around $310 to $945,* according to Thumbtack data. There are several factors that might impact the cost of this project, including:

• Size: Larger bushes will cost more to remove than smaller ones.

• Scope: If you have several shrubs or bushes to remove, you’ll pay more.

• Growth habits: Certain shrubs or bushes may have characteristics that make them more difficult to remove, like deep root systems or thorny branches. Stubborn shrubs that regrow from leftover roots or stumps may require chemical treatment to ensure that they don’t come back.

• Seasonality: Shrub removal may cost more during summer and fall, not only because landscapers are busier during this season but also because the shrubs will be in full growth, which makes them harder to remove.

You might be able to save money on shrub and bush removal with these tips:

• Remove all shrubs at the same time: Even though it will cost more initially, if you have multiple bushes or shrubs that need to be removed, having them done together will save you the cost of a landscaper making multiple trips.

• Plan removal times carefully: Late winter to early spring is the best time to remove bushes and shrubs. Landscapers may charge less because they’re usually not as busy and the bushes are dormant, making removal easier.

• Handle disposal yourself: Most landscapers will dispose of debris for you as a convenience. But if they charge extra for this service, you could instead consider composting the debris or hauling it to a local waste facility yourself.

• Ask neighbors if they have any shrubs to remove: Landscapers sometimes offer bulk discounts, so if a neighbor also needs shrub removal, both of you could save money.

*Data on file at Thumbtack. For a personalized cost estimate, request a quote from a professional.

There are several signs it may be time to remove a shrub or bush from your yard, including:

• Dead or dying plants: A shrub that shows little to no new growth with dry and brittle branches may be beyond saving. 

• Pest or disease issues: Shrubs consistently plagued by pests or diseases that are hard to control can affect the health of other plants.

• Overgrowth: If the shrub has outgrown its space and is crowding other plants, structures or walkways, it may need to be removed.

• Invasive growth: Some shrubs can become invasive, spreading too quickly and overtaking nearby plants.

• Poor health despite care: Plants may show signs of poor health, such as yellowing leaves or stunted growth. They may have root damage, need different growing conditions, or simply be nearing the end of their lifespan.

• Unpleasant appearance: Sometimes a shrub looks unattractive or no longer fits your yard’s aesthetic.

• Safety hazards: Shrubs that block visibility or have weak, unsafe branches should be removed to avoid accidents.

• Root damage: If the shrub’s roots are damaging structures, hiring a shrub removal company near you may prevent further harm. The most common signs of roots causing damage to nearby structures include cracked sidewalks, lifted foundations and clogged plumbing.

In most cases, a professional will take the following steps when removing a shrub: 

• Prune to trim back branches: Trimming back the branches makes it easier to access the shrub's base and can also reduce weight.

• Dig around the base: By using a pointed shovel, the pro can dig around the base of the shrub and expose the root system.

• Sever the roots: Cutting through the main roots loosens the shrub and allows it to be pulled from the ground.

• Lift and remove: Once the roots are severed, a professional landscaper near you can lift the shrub from the ground.

• Clean up or replace: Filling the hole with soil is common practice, but it's also possible to replace the shrub with another one or a different kind of plant, such as a tree.