How Much Does Leaf Removal and Yard Cleanup Cost in 2025?
Leaf removal costs an average of $376
Leaf removal costs range between $70 and $1,200, with an average cost of $376.
Your total leaf removal cost depends on factors such as the size of your yard, the removal method, and the number of trees.
Opting for a regular leaf removal service contract can provide lower costs per visit, saving you money in the long run.
For an additional cost, consider combining other yard cleanup services, such as mulching, gutter cleaning, and landscape cleanup, with your leaf removal service.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Leaf removal costs $376 on average, with most homeowners paying between $190 and $591. These costs depend on factors such as the size of your yard, the number of trees, service frequency, and the method of removal. Larger yards may cost between $400 and $1,000 per acre. Hiring a leaf removal professional ensures the job is done efficiently, helping you maintain a healthy and attractive yard.
Leaf Removal Cost Factors
In addition to your yard's size and the removal method, several other factors influence the cost of leaf removal services.
Bagging and Disposal
Companies charge an hourly rate to blow or rake leaves into piles. If you require them to bag and haul away the leaves, anticipate an additional cost of $5 to $10 per bag. While this adds to the total cost, it can be worthwhile if you do not plan to use the leaves for composting, mulching, or fertilizing.
Number of Trees
The number of trees on your property affects leaf removal costs. More trees typically result in more fallen leaves, increasing the time required for removal and, consequently, the overall cost.
Experience
Experienced leaf removal pros in your area may charge higher rates due to their expertise. While hiring someone with less experience might cost less, they may not provide the same quality of work and could potentially damage your lawn.
Labor
The labor cost for leaf removal depends on the time the job takes, considering factors such as lawn size, the amount and depth of accumulated leaves, and leaf wetness. The longer the job takes, the more you'll pay, as leaf removal professionals typically charge by the hour.
Some pros charge per square foot, especially for smaller yards or small sections of lawn. In these cases, the average cost per square foot is $0.02 to $0.10.
Leaf Removal Cost Per Acre
Leaf removal can run anywhere from $400 to $1,000 per acre, although most homeowners pay $600 to $700. However, most homes sit on a 1/6 acre lot. The most common lot sizes and pricing include:
| Acreage | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 1/6 acre | $150–$200 |
| 1/5 acre | $175–$225 |
| 1/4 acre | $175–$250 |
| 1/2 acre | $200–$500 |
| 3/4 acre | $300–$750 |
| 1 acre | $400–$1,000 |
Leaf Removal Costs by Method
Leaf removal methods include blowing, raking, or vacuuming, each costing between $15 and $60 per hour. Most companies have a minimum service charge, typically ranging from $75 to $100, regardless of yard size. Additionally, if you require leaf disposal, expect to pay an extra $5 to $10 per bag of collected leaves.
| Removal Method | Average Cost Range per Hour |
|---|---|
| Blowing | $15–$45 |
| Raking | $25–$50 |
| Vacuuming | $40–$60 |
Blowing
Blowing leaves costs around $30 per hour, or between $15 and $45, plus $5 to $10 per bag for disposal. Electric or gas-powered leaf blowers make comparatively short work of clearing leaves compared to raking.
However, blowing isn’t the most efficient option for dealing with wet leaves as the blower may not be powerful enough to move them, or they may get blown around all over your yard instead of toward the collection point. Remember, too, that a rake is still necessary to get the collected leaves into bags ready for disposal.
Raking
Most people pay around $32.50 per hour for leaf raking, with a range of $25 to $50, plus the $5 to $10 per bag fee for leaf removal. Your local yard worker uses a heavy-duty leaf rake to gather the leaves into easy-to-pick-up piles on your lawn. Raking isn't always the best choice for large areas, but it's effective at removing even wet and partially rotted leaves and, using fan rakes, the process won't damage your lawn.
Vacuuming
Vacuuming leaves will run you around $50 per hour, or between $40 and $60 per hour, plus the bagging and disposal fee of $5 to $10 per bag. Leaf vacuuming is efficient, but the collection bag gets heavy quickly and requires regular emptying. Plus, wet leaves and mud can get stuck in the machine, which reduces efficiency and causes delays while the yard care pro unclogs it.
Leaf Removal Costs by Service Frequency
If you have a large lawn or seek cost savings, consider purchasing a leaf removal service contract rather than scheduling individual visits. A one-time visit costs between $200 and $850, while an annual contract ranges from $150 to $500. Depending on your needs, quarterly, monthly, or bi-weekly contracts are also available. Below are typical yearly costs for each service contract type.
| Frequency | Cost Range per Year | Average Cost per Year |
|---|---|---|
| One-time visit | $200–$850 | $325 |
| Annual contract | $150–$500 | $500 |
| Quarterly contract | $250–$750 | $525 |
| Monthly contract | $300–$900 | $600 |
| Bi-Weekly contract | $1,000–$1,500 | $1,250 |
Additional Yard Cleanup Services
Along with leaf removal, you may wish to have your yard care pro tackle some other jobs around your yard and garden. Here are some of the most common yard cleanup services and their costs.
Mulching
Mulching costs $50 per hour, with most people paying between $40 and $60 per hour. Your pro uses a vacuum with a shredder inside to shred the leaves into small pieces as they're vacuumed. Your pro will then empty the leaf bag where directed.
This efficient option eliminates a disposal fee, as you can use the leaf waste in your garden. Leaf mulch is a great addition to compost piles, lawn fertilizer, or top dressing for garden beds.
Gutter Cleaning
Gutter cleaning costs an average of $170, ranging from $120 to $230. If trees are near your home, leaves may accumulate in your gutters as well as on your lawn. Therefore, it is practical to have your gutters cleaned at the same time as leaf removal. Neglecting gutter maintenance can lead to significant property damage over time.
Save the yearly fees with gutter leaf screens. These plastic screens keep the junk out of the gutters to both avoid downspout clogs and yearly cleanings. Installing gutter guards costs an average of $1,500, but the investment eliminates the need for yearly cleanings.
Landscape Cleanup
Landscape cleanup prices vary depending on the type of cleanup you need. Some common services include tree removal, which costs between $400 and $1,200 on average, and lawn aeration, which costs between $75 and $200 on average. You can also hire a pro to maintain your garden and flower beds, which ranges between $60 and $100 on average.
DIY vs. Hiring a Leaf Removal Pro
Raking and bagging leaves can be a manageable DIY project if you have the time and energy. However, it requires significant physical effort and time commitment. Hiring a professional leaf removal service can save you time and ensure the job is completed efficiently. Alternatively, you might rake the leaves yourself and hire a professional to handle the disposal.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed over 30,000 real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Burning leaves is unsafe and poses significant wildfire risks. It may also result in fines from local authorities. Instead, consider environmentally responsible alternatives like composting, recycling, or hiring a professional disposal service. These methods protect your property, comply with regulations, and maintain healthier air quality while ensuring the safety of the surrounding environment.
When determining how to dispose of leaves, you have several reliable options. You can rely on your waste service if it provides yard waste collection on designated days, or you may choose to hire a landscaping service for added convenience. Alternatively, transporting the leaves to a local waste yard for proper disposal is another DIY option.
When deciding whether to mulch or bag your leaves, consider how you can best utilize them. Mulching converts the leaves into a natural fertilizer that boosts lawn health and compost quality or serves as top dressing for garden beds. If you do not have a use for the mulch, bagging the leaves for proper disposal is the best alternative.
Yes, removing leaves from your yard is important for maintaining a healthy landscape. Accumulated leaves block sunlight and air circulation, which can suffocate your grass. A thick layer of leaves also creates an environment for pests and mold, potentially leading to costly damage. Regular leaf removal keeps your lawn vibrant and your property in excellent condition.
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