Let’s be real: ripping out a massive Arborvitae (Thuja) hedge is a backbreaking job that eats up a ton of time. It’s one of those projects where calling in the pros is often the smartest move. Sure, it’ll cost you a bit, but it saves you a world of physical labor and frustration.
Breaking Down the Cost: What Are You Actually Paying For?
Some landscaping crews might offer a flat project fee, but most of the time, you’re looking at an hourly rate or a price per linear foot. The biggest factor? Whether you just want the trees cut down or if you need the roots removed as well. The age and height of your hedge play a huge role, too. On top of the labor, don’t forget to budget for:
- Travel fees/Service calls
- Green waste disposal fees
- Dumpster rentals (if needed)
Prepping for the Pros: How to Get Ready
Timing is everything! To protect nesting birds, major hedge removal or heavy pruning is usually restricted to the colder months (typically October through February). Because of this, you’ll want to book your landscaper well in advance. It’s also a great idea to get a few different quotes to compare prices.
Want to save some cash? You can lower the labor costs by sawing off the branches yourself before the crew arrives. Pro tip: Give the ground a deep soak a few days before the appointment. Moist soil makes pulling those stubborn root balls out way easier!
The Price Tag: What’s the Bottom Line?
Prices can vary quite a bit depending on where you live and how much debris you’re dealing with. If you need a massive dumpster for all that greenery, the price will jump. Here’s a rough estimate of what to expect (based on average 2021 rates):
- Above-ground removal only: $10 to $35 per foot
- Root removal only: $35 to $70 per foot
- Service/Travel fee: $15 to $60
- Disposal fees: $35 to $80 per cubic yard
Why Hire a Professional?
At the end of the day, hiring a pro saves you a massive headache. Landscapers have the heavy-duty equipment and the experience to get the job done in a fraction of the time it would take a DIYer. Plus, you won’t have to worry about how to haul away a mountain of branches—they’ll take care of the mess so you can get straight to planning your next garden project!
