How Much Does Yard Cleanup Cost?

Highlights

• Yard cleaning has a typical cost range of $190 to $1,000 and a national average cost of $360.
• Several factors will affect the total cost, including the size of the yard, the type and frequency of service needed, the cost of labor, the home’s geographic location, the season, and the pricing method used by the yard cleanup service.
• A yard could benefit from cleanup services if it has an excess of dead leaves and branches, storm damage, widespread weeds, or overgrown garden beds.
• A homeowner can clean up their yard as a DIY project, but it may take time to complete. By hiring a professional, a homeowner can save time and get their yard back into shape quickly.

Owning a home with a yard means putting in the work to keep it in tip-top shape. For homeowners who don’t have the time to spend on raking leaves or mowing the lawn, there are yard cleanup services that can tackle those chores and more. Yard clearing services are available for debris removal, leaf cleanup, weeding, lawn mowing, tree trimming, landscaping maintenance, lawn aeration, and new turf installation. Yard cleanup can be a part of annual landscaping cost, and the type of services required depends on the state of the yard.

How much does yard cleanup cost? According to Angi, yard work pricing ranges from $190 to $1,000, with the national average at $360. The overall price for garden cleanup service depends on the size of the yard, location, the type of services that are needed, frequency, and local labor pricing. From leaf removal to getting rid of construction debris, yard cleanup services can take care of any yard cleanup job. Before hiring for yard waste removal or employing the best gardening services, homeowners will want to know what affects the overall price of yard cleanup costs. It’s recommended for homeowners to search online for the best lawn care services near them to find a yard cleanup cost calculator that can provide estimates for services in their area. This guide will cover the important factors that influence the cost of yard maintenance, additional costs and considerations that can change the final cost of yard cleanup, the different types of yard cleanup services, and important questions to ask a yard cleanup professional.

Factors in Calculating Yard Cleanup Cost

When it’s time to clean up the yard, many homeowners are concerned about the time and effort it will take to maintain. Yard cleanup services can free up a homeowner and their family to enjoy their time off instead of working in the yard. While many homeowners spend between $190 and $1,000 for yard cleanup services, the overall cost can vary from the national average of $360 due to several important factors. These can include the size of the yard, service type, service frequency, local labor rates, geographic location, season of the year, pricing method, and any additional services.

Yard Size

The size of the yard is one of the biggest factors that influence yard cleanup cost. Larger yards take more time and effort to maintain, so the overall cost will be higher than for a smaller property. Homeowners will want to keep in mind that smaller yards that have been neglected for a significant length of time can cost much more since it will take more time to clean up the space, compared to a larger yard that needs simple leaf removal. Below are the average price ranges to clean up a yard based on size.

Service Type

Overgrown yard cleanup cost depends on the type of service that’s needed for the space. Yard cleanup can mean anything from hiring one of the best leaf removal services to hiring a tree pruning service, and each service is typically charged as a separate task. The pricing of the individual services depends on local labor costs, the equipment that’s needed to complete the service, and how many people it will take to finish the job. Depending on the size of the yard, leaf removal can cost from $200 and $600, while laying new sod can cost up to $3,000. The most common types of yard services include garden cleanup, hedge and tree pruning, junk removal, leaf removal, lawn mowing, mulching, turf care, and weed control. Each of these services and its price range is discussed in a section below.

Service Frequency

How often a yard needs to be cleaned up hinges on a few factors. These can include the number of trees on the property, the homeowner’s preference, and the state of the yard. If there are many trees on the property that not only drop leaves but also fruit, flowers, or acorns, a more frequent cleanup schedule may work the best. Some homeowners may want their yard looking spotless and will schedule weekly or biweekly maintenance. Others may be satisfied with a yearly or semiannual cleanup. Below are the average price ranges for yard cleanup for a ¼-acre yard based on the frequency of the services.

Labor

Some yard cleanup companies will charge by the hour for labor and others will charge a flat rate. Hourly labor fees can range from $15 to $60 per hour and base rates can run from $75 to $100 or more. Since each contractor charges differently, it’s recommended that homeowners ask how labor is charged to avoid any unexpected fees.

Geographic Location

Geographic location also influences the cost of yard cleanup. Labor prices are typically more expensive in densely populated urban areas that have a higher cost of living compared to more rural areas. The size of the lawn and the availability of workers in the area also has an impact on the price of yard care. Below are the average price ranges of yard cleanup services in a few major cities around the country.

Season

Keeping up with yard maintenance in the spring and fall is important to the health of the plants, trees, and lawn. Spring cleanup removes debris from winter storms and prepares the area for new growth and flowers. Fall cleanup is typically performed when all the leaves have fallen to get ready for the winter and hibernation period for perennial plants and trees. The average price range for spring cleanup for ¼ acre of land is between $100 and $300, while fall cleanup ranges from $200 to $500. Searching online for a reputable yard cleanup contractor can help homeowners find a lawn care price calculator to discover estimates for yard services.

Pricing Method

Yard cleanup professionals can charge for their services in a few different ways. Some set their fees according to an hourly rate, the cleanup methods they use, or by the square footage of the yard, and some charge a flat rate or use a per-bag cost for bagging yard waste. The yard cleanup contractor will usually list how they charge on the itemized bill, but it’s recommended for homeowners to ask about the yard cleanup pricing method to avoid unexpected pricing. Below are the pricing methods and their average labor costs.

Additional Services

Many homeowners decide to tackle other outside projects when hiring for a yard cleanup. Below are some common additional services to complete at the same time.

• Composting. After cleaning up their yard, many homeowners will compost. Composting aids in the growth of plants to produce healthy vegetables and improves soil fertility. Some homeowners choose to make their own compost from food scraps, such as eggshells, coffee grounds, fruits, and vegetables, while others will buy bags of compost for between $3 and $5 per bag.
• Deck pressure washing. Pressure washing a deck can get rid of years of dirt, grime, and grease and make it look new again. The cost to pressure-wash a 500-square-foot deck can range from $100 to $200, with the national average at $145.
• Gutter cleaning. Gutter cleaning cost is typically based on the height of the house and the linear feet of the gutters. Gutter cleaning is important to avoid clogged gutters that can result in flooding and water damage to the roof and walls. The cost of gutter cleaning ranges from $1 to $3.17 per linear foot, or from $150 to $225 for a house with 150 linear feet of gutters.
• Landscape construction cleanup. Hiring one of the best landscaping companies to clean up debris, uprooted shrubs, and messy mulch can cost from $250 to $700. Landscape construction cleanup makes sure plants, trees, and the lawn area remain healthy. Finding a landscaping cost calculator online can help provide homeowners with an estimate of local services.
• Lawn aeration. Aerating a lawn encourages healthy and strong roots. The cost of lawn aeration ranges from $220 to $870. This is an excellent way to ensure a lush, vibrantly green lawn. The cost of lawn care depends on the overall needs of the lawn.
• Patio cleanup. Cleaning a patio involves power washing, debris removal, and scrubbing to remove stains. A general cleanup can cost from $50 to $75, but sealing the patio surface to prevent water absorption that results in cracks will cost significantly more.
• Seeding. The cost of seeding a lawn depends on the square footage of the yard and the type of grass seed. Some types of grass grow better in certain locations than others, so it’s a good idea for homeowners to research what will grow best in their area. Seeding a lawn can cost from $550 to $1,500, or between $0.09 and $0.18 per square foot, depending on the grass type and size of the lawn.
• Sod installation. Sod installation for a 5,000-square-foot area can cost from $5,800 to $7,200, or $0.90 to $2.49 per square foot for installation and sod. The grass type will influence the overall cost of the project.
• Stump removal and stump grinding. Stump removal is typically more expensive than stump grinding since removal involves removing the entire stump and roots from below the surface of the ground. Stump grinding involves grinding the tree stump down to make it level with the soil. The average price range for stump removal is between $200 to $700, depending on the size of the root system, difficulty of removal, soil condition, and the age of the tree. Stump grinding can cost from $275 to $600 on average.
• Tree removal. Tree removal can cost from $400 to $900 or as much as $2,000, with the national average at $435. The overall removal price depends on the condition of the tree, diameter, height, and complexity of the branches.

Types of Yard Cleanup Services

Yard and garden cleaning services typically include lawn maintenance, tree trimming, and removing debris, weeds, and leaves. Some yard cleanup companies may include junk removal, and they may bundle the costs of related individual services, such as weeding, mowing, or edge cleanup.

Garden Cleanup

Garden cleaning services usually include weeding, trimming, pruning, fertilizing, mulching, watering, and cleaning out garden debris. Gardeners can charge between $45 and $75 per hour for their services, or they can charge a flat rate based on their services.

Hedge and Tree Pruning

Shrub and tree pruning are needed to keep them looking good and encourage growth. Shrubs need to be trimmed twice a year to avoid mold and mildew growth that can occur on the outside of the home. Overgrown hedges can also be a cozy breeding ground for termites and insects. To keep shrubs from being overgrown and covering the windows, they need to be pruned. This can cost from $40 to $180, while tree trimming can cost between $175 and $750 per tree. The overall cost of tree trimming depends on the type and size of tree.

Junk Removal

If the storage of unused and unwanted items has overflowed from the shed into the yard, it will need to be cleared. Junk removal can cost between $240 and $600, and homeowners can haul items to a junkyard for between $50 and $100.

Leaf Removal

Leaf removal runs from $200 to $600. The total cost hinges on the size of the yard, method of removal, and frequency. Some yard cleanup contractors can charge between $5 and $10 per bag.

Mowing

The average cost for mowing a lawn is about $125, but it will cost more for larger lawns. The cost to mow an acre of land ranges from $150 to $200, but any extra services, such as edging, will add between $700 and $1,700. To find local lawn mowing price estimates, homeowners can search online to find a lawn mowing quote calculator.

Mulching

Using mulch will control moisture levels and the soil temperature of the garden or yard. Mulch prevents soil from washing away and protects the root systems of plants. The cost to lay down mulch is about $75 per cubic yard, including installation, mulch, and delivery fees. Old mulch will need to be removed from garden beds and areas with old mulch. Mulch removal cost depends on how much needs to be removed and the accessibility of the area.

Turf Care

Turf care involves fertilization, aeration, and reseeding. The cost of these services to keep a lawn looking good comes in between $0.02 and $0.04 per square foot for fertilization, $0.10 and $0.35 per square foot for aeration, and $0.10 and $0.20 per square foot for reseeding.

Weeding

Weed control methods can cost between $70 and $150. This can involve hand weeding or the application of herbicides.

Do I Need to Hire a Yard Cleanup Service?

As the seasons change, so do the needs of the yard. Winter storms can cause tree branches to break and fall, and overgrown lawns may sprout weeds. If a yard has a thick layer of dead leaves or it has fallen branches, storm damage, weeds, or overgrown garden beds, it will need cleanup services.

Dead Leaves or Branches

Removing dead leaves or branches is a project that needs to be done in the fall. The weight of wet snow on dead tree branches can cause them to fall and damage the yard or the house. When the lawn is being cleared, leaves will need to be raked up and bagged or composted.

Storm Damage

After a strong storm, large debris may need to be removed and the home may require repairs. Hiring a professional team to clean up storm damage is worth it to many homeowners. A professional will know how to apply new fertilizer, reseed a lawn, replace mulch, or provide mold prevention. The cost of a new lawn depends on the size of the yard and the type of grass.

Weeds

Weeds need to be removed—roots and all—to successfully rid a yard of them for good. The overall cost of weed removal depends on the size of the yard and how many weeds need to be removed.

Overgrown Garden Beds

If a garden bed is overgrown with weeds and has debris and old mulch built up, it needs a cleanup. Garden beds may need new soil and mulch to keep the plants in good condition.

Yard Cleanup: DIY vs. Hiring a Professional

For homeowners who want to clean up their yard on their own, it’s helpful to know tips and tricks to make yard maintenance easier. Homeowners who clean up their own yard will save money on hiring professionals, although the task might take longer. Purchasing the necessary tools and equipment, such as a lawn mower, rake, pruning shears, bags, gloves, tree-trimming equipment, ladders, and a leaf blower, can quickly add up. For many homeowners who don’t want to tackle the yard on their own, it’s often worth it to hire a yard cleanup contractor. A professional can take care of the yard and haul away and dispose of debris and junk.

How to Save Money on Yard Cleanup Cost

Depending on the size of the yard and how much work it needs, the cost of hiring a professional to come and tackle yard cleanup can quickly add up. Below are some money-saving tips to save money on yard cleanup cost.

• Get multiple estimates. Get at least three estimates from reputable yard cleanup contractors in your area to find a rate that works with your budget.
• Hire during the off-season. Clean up your yard during the off-season to save money.
• Opt for a regular contract. Waiting to clean up a yard just once a year can be more expensive than hiring a team to come and maintain the area a few times a year.
• Look for free junk removal. Do online research to find services that will remove junk and debris from your yard for free. This can save on removal and hauling costs.
• Don’t ignore plant issues. If shrubs and trees need to be trimmed, dead branches need to be removed, and mulch needs to be replaced, don’t put off calling in a professional to take care of it for you. The longer you wait, the more expensive the cleanup cost will be.
• Start composting. Composting is a cost-effective way of using yard debris to create nutrient-rich soil.

Questions to Ask About Yard Cleanup

For many homeowners, yard cleanup is a labor-intensive and time-consuming process. Hiring a professional to tackle the job can help save time and have the yard looking good in a snap. Asking a professional the right questions can help homeowners learn important information about yard cleanup costs. Below are some questions homeowners can ask about yard cleanup services.

• How long have you been in business?
• What type of yard cleanup services do you provide?
• Will you provide references?
• Do you have examples of past yard cleanup projects that you’ve completed?
• Do you have liability insurance?
• Who will be cleaning up my yard?
• What type of lawn care services do you offer?
• Do you bundle yard and lawn services?
• Do you offer any discounts for booking multiple visits?
• Do you hire subcontractors for any services?
• What is your payment plan?
• How can I leave a review of your work?

FAQs

When deciding on hiring a professional for a yard cleanup, it’s helpful for homeowners to have all the information available to aid with the decision. Below are some frequently asked questions about yard cleanup cost.

Q. How much does yard cleanup cost?

Yard cleanup cost ranges from $190 to $1,000, with many homeowners spending $360 on average.

Q. Do dead leaves turn into fertilizer?

Dead leaves are an excellent source of compost. Using fallen leaves to start a compost pile while adding food scraps and other organic materials can create rich compost to feed a lawn or garden beds. Leaves can also be mulched and placed on top of the lawn to add to the organic matter.

Q. Can I remove a tree by myself?

Removing a tree on their own is a dangerous task for homeowners—especially if there are wires in the vicinity. It is not recommended to make tree removal a DIY project. A professional tree removal service should be hired to safely remove the tree to protect people and property.

Q. Is it OK for leaves to be kept on grass?

In many cases, it’s completely OK to let fallen leaves stay on the grass. Using a lawn mower to break the leaves down into smaller pieces can preserve soil moisture and protect the root system of the lawn.

Q. What is the fastest way to clean up your yard?

The fastest way to clean up a yard is to focus on removing large items first, such as tree branches and large debris. Up next would be weeding, mowing the lawn, and cleaning up the areas between the lawn and garden. Cleaning off patios, porches, and decks creates a fresh appearance for a comfortable place to spend time with friends and family.

Q. How often should I have my yard cleaned?

Yard cleanup should happen twice a year: once in the spring to prepare for the summer months, and again in the fall to prepare the area for winter.

Sources: Angi, Fixr