How to Get Rid of Unwanted Rocks and Gravel

boulder in yard along garden

Updated January 24, 2023

Rocks, boulders, and excess gravel can be an eyesore and even a safety risk for homeowners.

Likewise, gravel can quickly become a mess, spreading to areas of your yard where you don't want it and killing the grass underneath.

When in the yard, rocks and gravel can make mowing more complicated, requiring you to work around them, use a trimmer, and not trip over them.

When in the garden or landscaping, large rocks can visually disrupt a space and make it difficult to garden and till as needed.

Removing gravel and boulders or rocks yourself can be a back-breaking job.

Boulder removal, for example, typically takes multiple strong-bodied people depending on how big the rock is.

It's not always easy to convince multiple people to come help you move a bunch of boulders and rocks out of your yard, not to mention find (or rent) a vehicle powerful enough to load them into and haul them to the nearest facility.

This is why we recommend hiring a professional to remove your rocks or gravel.

Hiring a rock removal pro who has the appropriate machinery is straightforward, safe, and easy.


Find rock, boulder, and gravel removal pros near you


How Rock Removal Works

  1. Start by getting free quotes from local rock removal pros with Hometown. At Hometown, we make it easy to browse local companies, read verified customer reviews, and request free, no-obligation quotes for services to ensure you hire the best company for the best price.
     
  2. Hire the best company for the job and schedule services. After requesting multiple quotes, decide on the company that is the best fit for you and your project, then schedule a time for them to come out to your property and get to work.
     
  3. The company arrives with equipment to remove your rocks. When it comes to rock removal, the most common machinery used is a skid steer loader, commonly known as a "Bobcat."
     
  4. Your rocks are picked up and loaded into a nearby truck or dumpster. The compact machinery companies use to remove rocks is great for scooping up unwanted rocks and gravel, dumping them into a hauling vehicle or roll-off dumpster, and getting it done quickly and safely, often in a matter of hours.
     
  5. They haul your rocks to the nearest facility. Typically, rocks and boulders are taken to a nearby landscaper or landscaping supply store, if not to the company's location for later use. (This is generally only done when the rocks are in good shape.) If local landscapers won't take the rocks, they're typically taken to a nearby landfill.
     
  6. Pay your invoice. After the rocks are removed and the job is completed, the company will provide you with an invoice and you'll pay your bill. Then, all that's left to do is enjoy your newly cleared yard.

Average Cost of Rock Removal

The cost of rock, boulder, and gravel removal can vary quite a bit depending on how extensive the work is.

On average, rock removal costs $50-$200 per cubic yard, with most companies charging around $120-$150 per hour.

As you can see, hiring a professional to help with your rock removal is fast, simple, and relatively inexpensive, especially compared to handling the removal yourself.

When you're ready to move forward with the rock removal process, trust Hometown to help you find the best pro for the job. Get free quotes for your rock removal project today!


Find rock, boulder, and gravel removal pros near you