You step outside, rake in hand, and stare at the blanket of leaves swallowing your lawn. A few hours? Maybe half a day? Then you remember last fall, sore arms, jammed yard waste bags, and a $300 invoice after finally calling for help. So what is the real cost of leaf removal, and how can you budget for it before the piles take over again?
We’re breaking it all down: labor rates, seasonal timing, yard size, disposal fees, and everything else that factors into your fall cleanup total.
Ready to compare quotes or schedule your fall cleanup? Visit LawnGuru’s leaf removal service to see how we stack up.
What Drives the Price? (Leaf Removal Cost Calculator in Action)
Leaf Removal Cost Calculator
You might think, “It’s just a pile of leaves, how expensive can this get?” Then a contractor shows up and quotes $500 for your half-acre lot. The truth is, leaf cleanup isn’t one-size-fits-all. The cost depends on what’s actually happening in your yard.
Yard Size and Tree Volume Matter
If you’re on a quarter-acre lot with two maples, your cleanup’s in a different league than your neighbor with a wooded half-acre. More trees = more volume = more hours.
A good rule of thumb? Expect to pay:
- $150–$600 for small to mid-sized suburban lots
- $400–$1,000+ per acre for heavily wooded properties (survey)
That’s before considering how wet, packed down, or matted those leaves are, all of which slow down the job.
The Method Makes a Difference
You’ve got three basic service styles: manual raking, leaf blowing, or vacuum truck removal. Manual raking runs on the cheaper side, especially for light jobs. But for yards buried under weeks of leaf fall, blowers and vacuums save time, and come with a price bump.
Hourly labor for these methods usually falls between $18 and $60/hour, depending on skill level and regional demand.
Pro Tip: Ask if your provider mulches the leaves instead of hauling them. Mulching can cut disposal costs and actually improve your soil.
One-Off vs. Seasonal Service
If you wait until Thanksgiving to call, you’re likely booking a one-time emergency cleanup. That means higher rates, especially during peak season. But if you’re signed up for a recurring fall plan, say, every 2–3 weeks starting mid-October, your per-visit price usually drops.
Many providers offer seasonal packages starting around $300–$450, depending on lot size and number of visits.
Location, Terrain, and Add-Ons
Your zip code matters. Labor runs higher in urban areas, where demand surges faster than available crews. On top of that, hilly terrain, fencing, or narrow access points can slow down removal and increase billable time.
And don’t forget disposal fees. Hauling off bags or vacuum loads usually adds $5–$10 per bag or $25–$75 per cubic yard, depending on local dump policies.
What Is the Average Cost for Leaf Removal?
You get three quotes: $180, $350, and $700. All for the same job, or so it seems. Why the spread?
It comes down to scale, method, and how much cleanup the company includes. Some crews blow leaves to the curb and leave; others bag, haul, and sweep. Your quote reflects that.
- National average: Around $350–$400 per visit
- Small yards: Can dip as low as $100–$150
- Large lots or heavy accumulation: May reach $700–$1,000
Here’s a simple way to estimate your job:
Estimated Cost = (Lot size × base rate per acre) + (Tree count premium) + (Disposal & method fees)
Got a half-acre with 8 mature oaks and thick coverage? Expect to land between $400–$600, depending on how recently those leaves were touched.
Warning: Letting wet leaves sit more than a week can drive your cleanup cost up by 20–30% due to added labor time.
When You Schedule Matters (Leaf Removal Cost per Hour Isn’t Fixed)
It’s easy to let leaves pile up, until it rains twice, freezes once, and turns your lawn into a soggy mess. That’s when costs spike.
Early fall cleanups (late October) are usually quicker and cheaper. Leaves are drier, easier to blow, and not matted into turf. Wait until mid-November, and you’re likely paying for the extra hours it takes to lift heavy clumps and de-thatch sod.
Typical hourly rates run:
- Raking and hand-bagging: $18–$47/hr
- Leaf blowing or vacuum truck work: $40–$60/hr
- Gutter and hardscape clearing add-ons: $50–$100 extra depending on access
Rates climb further during peak demand, especially after major windstorms or when crews are overbooked before winter hits.
What Happens If You Skip It?
Plenty of folks try to ride it out, “The snow’ll cover it up soon enough,” they say. Then spring rolls around, and they’re re-seeding dead spots where the grass suffocated all winter.
Thick leaf layers block sunlight, trap moisture, and invite mold, insects, and rodents to set up camp. Come spring, you’re looking at brown patches, turf fungus, and more money spent reversing the damage.
Reality Check: Skipping fall leaf cleanup now could cost you $300–$500 later in lawn repairs, aeration, or sod replacement.
Outdoor Services That Pair Well With Leaf Cleanup
You’ve already got a crew on site, so it’s the perfect time to add on other late-season services while the equipment’s out and labor’s bundled.
Gutter cleaning helps prevent ice dams and overflow during winter storms. A final mow with leaf mulching sharpens up the lawn’s look. And if you’re into composting, some crews will mulch and spread leaves as part of a winter bed prep service.
Bundling these can save 10–20% compared to separate bookings, especially if you schedule ahead of the November rush.
FAQs About Leaf Removal Costs
What is the cost per bag of leaf removal?
Most disposal fees fall between $5–$10 per bag, depending on municipal yard waste rules and labor time.
Can I just mow over the leaves instead?
Light coverage? Sure. But thick or wet layers need to be cleared first, otherwise, you’ll clog your mower and smother your lawn.
How many trees count as “too many”?
If you’ve got more than 5 large deciduous trees, you’re likely moving out of light cleanup territory and into heavier labor pricing.
Is DIY leaf removal always cheaper?
Not when you factor in hours lost, yard waste stickers, and sore backs. One article on Family Handyman even notes that DIY tools can cost more than one pro visit if you’re buying tarps, blowers, and bags. For many homeowners, $300–$400 spent on a pro cleanup is cheaper than two weekends burned.
Should I mulch before or after leaf removal?
If you’re using shredded leaves as mulch, have your crew mulch them during removal. Otherwise, clear the lawn first, then mulch your beds.
Ready to Make a Plan?
Take 15 minutes. Walk your yard. Count the trees. Look for access paths, wet spots, steep slopes. Then snap a few photos and get a quick quote.
LawnGuru connects you with vetted local crews, upfront pricing, and same-week service, no in-person estimates needed, no pressure to commit.
Book when you’re ready. Just don’t wait until the snow buries the leaves, because by then, you’re not saving money. You’re just stacking problems.
