How Much Does Yard Cleanup Cost in 2026?

The average cost for a yard cleanup is $180.

A clean, well-maintained yard is essential, but it can be difficult to maintain on your own. You can expect to pay around $180 for a professional to clean up your property.

Most yard cleanup packages cover tasks such as raking and mulching leaves, bagging and hauling away yard waste, and cleaning garden beds, but the costs can vary depending on several factors. The average range for yard cleanup spans from $21 to $486.

This guide draws pricing data from real LawnStarter jobs, so you can get a better idea of how much yard cleanup will cost in your region.

What Does Yard Cleanup Cost? Platform Comparison

Before getting into the details, here’s a quick look at how different yard cleanup services and providers compare on price:

ServiceTypical Per-Visit CostHow It WorksBest For
LawnStarter$180Schedule service online with background-checked pros; re-do or refund guaranteeHomeowners who want reliability and accountability
Lawn Love$187Book online; vetted local pros; satisfaction guarantee Homeowners looking for a premium yard cleanup experience with flexible scheduling
Lawn Guru$174 – $487On-demand booking app that connects you with local independent prosIf you need flexibility and same-day or next-day availability
Thumbtack / Angi$131 – $374Marketplace based on quotes; variable vettingIf you want a one-time job or to find new local providers
Local independent$150 – $450Hire a provider directly through referrals, Craigslist, Taskrabbit, or NextdoorBuilding an ongoing relationship with a neighborhood pro

Based on platform pricing data and independent research, May 2026.

Get a LawnStarter cleanup quote for your yard

What Factors Affect the Price of Yard Cleanup?

Yard cleanup prices can vary quite a bit from one property to the next. Here are the main factors that affect pricing:

1. Yard Size

Yard cleanup costs can vary by yard size, but most pros charge by the services that need to be done, or the hours spent at the site. Moreover, pros might also charge a fixed rate regardless of your yard size.

Here are the average costs of yard cleanup based on yard size, including services as simple as hauling away dry leaves to more complex tasks, like removing rocks and tree limbs:

Yard SizeCost Range
Small (under 2,500 sq. ft.)$14 – $399
Medium (2,500–5,000 sq. ft.)$21 – $453
Large (5,000–10,000 sq. ft.)$25 – $486
Extra Large (10,000+ sq. ft.)$28 – $556

Expect to pay around $14 for a straightforward job, think fallen limbs or dry leaves on a small property, and up to $556 when the yard needs a full overhaul with weeds, wet and dry leaves, cut limbs, and bed cleanup all tackled at once.

2. Type of Cleanup

A yard cleanup may include the following services, and the price fluctuates based on the services you need:

  • Mulch removal: Pine straw and other finer mulches can be surprisingly time-consuming to remove, increasing costs.
  • Raking leaves costs more than leaf blowing and mulching because it is more labor intensive and takes longer.
  • Trash or furniture removal services will increase your cleanup cost and may require hiring a separate company.
  • Hauling away debris (mainly larger debris, such as fallen branches) costs more than leaving it curbside for your trash service to pick up.
  • Flower bed and garden cleanups typically cost more than cleaning a lawn because they require more delicate, detailed work to prevent damaging the plants.
  • Wet leaves are heavier, so the leaf cleanup job will take longer and cost more than removing dry leaves.
  • Weed removal: If the cleanup includes pulling weeds from lawns, flower beds, or cracks in hardscapes, expect to pay more for the extra labor involved.
  • Pet waste removal: Cleaning up after pets adds labor and may increase the price, particularly if waste has accumulated over time.
  • Cut limbs and branches: Piles of pruned branches are bulkier and harder to handle than leaves alone, especially if they need to be bundled or hauled away.

3. Frequency of Visits

The frequency of visits can significantly affect the price of yard cleanup services. The more often your landscapers come, the less they’ll have to clean or maintain, which can keep your costs down. Some landscaping companies also offer a discount if you sign up for regular service.

A weekly or biweekly (every two weeks) service ranges from $56 to $86, whereas a one-time cleanup costs around $198.

4. Storm Damage

You will need more than an ordinary cleanup after a severe storm. Keeping an emergency cleanup savings fund is a good idea if you live in an area prone to hurricanes or other severe weather. A lot goes into cleaning a yard after a hurricane, and you’ll either have to do the work yourself or pay extra for it.

5. Seasonal Price Changes

The season also affects cleanup pricing because of differences in demand. For example, everyone needs their yard cleaned in the fall, so expect to pay more for fall leaf removal service. Early spring is the second most popular time to clean the yard. 

You may be able to get a lower price if you wait until the off-season to hire a yard cleanup service.

6. Junk Removal

After cleaning your yard, junk removal is the finishing touch to ensure a clutter-free and neat outdoor space. These services efficiently dispose of large debris and unwanted items, preventing your yard from becoming messy again. 

On average, junk removal costs around $225 per load, depending on the volume of items and the service provider.

LawnStarter Yard Cleanup Prices in 50 Cities

LawnStarter pricing is based on actual yard cleanup jobs completed in each market — not estimates. The table below shows the average cost of a typical residential yard cleanup in cities across the U.S.:

How Much Does Yard Cleanup Cost Per Year?

A person wearing colorful floral rain boots is raking a pile of dried leaves on a grassy lawn, indicating garden cleanup or spring lawn maintenance.
Person raking dried leaves. Photo Credit: gkrphoto / Adobe Stock

Most homeowners schedule a cleanup in the spring to clear away winter debris and again in the fall to remove leaves and prepare the yard for colder weather.

Here’s a guide to annual yard cleanup costs based on LawnStarter pricing:

Cleanup FrequencyTypical Cost per VisitEstimated Annual Total
One cleanup per year$180 – $198$180 – $198
Two cleanups per year$360 – $396

Which Lawn Cleanup Service Is Right for You?

Each platform has its strengths. Here’s when each one makes the most sense:

Choose LawnStarter if…

You want a vetted local pro, easy online booking, and the peace of mind of a re-clean or refund guarantee. It’s a strong choice for homeowners who value accountability and a hands-off booking experience.

Choose Lawn Love if…

You’re in a larger metro area and want a premium, hassle-free booking experience with vetted local pros. It’s a great fit for homeowners who want reliable service and the backing of a platform with strong customer protections.

Choose Lawn Guru if…

You need yard cleanup fast and want the flexibility to book same-day or next-day service through an app. It’s best for straightforward jobs where speed matters more than working with the same provider every time.

Use a Marketplace Like Angi if…

You want to gather several quotes and compare options in your area. It works well for larger or more specialized cleanup jobs, but vetting standards and pricing can vary widely.

The LawnStarter Difference

Over 100,000 homeowners use LawnStarter because it removes the usual headaches that come with hiring a lawn care pro:

  • Background-checked pros. Every provider is background-checked, and you can review ratings from other customers before booking.
  • Satisfaction guarantee. If something isn’t right, let us know within 5 days and we’ll send the pro back or issue a full refund.
  • $2 Million Property Protection Pledge. Customers are covered for property damage caused during service, giving added peace of mind.
  • No long-term contracts. You can skip, pause, reschedule, or cancel recurring mowing service anytime right from the app. Also, you can hire a cleanup as a standalone service, or as an add-on to your regular mowing visits.
  • Upfront pricing. You’ll see your price before the job starts, with no surprise fees.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro: The Honest Math

The difficulty of DIY yard cleanup depends on the season and the condition of your yard. Some jobs are relatively straightforward, while others involve hauling branches, clearing flower beds, and spending hours working in the sun.

If you already own the necessary tools and don’t mind the physical labor, doing the cleanup yourself can save money. But if you need to buy equipment like a mulching mower, lawn aerator, leaf blower, and hedge trimmer, you could spend around $920 before you even get started.

Hiring a pro through LawnStarter typically costs $180 to $396 per year for 1-2 standard yard cleanups. For many homeowners, the convenience is well worth the cost. 

How to Save on Yard Cleanup

A few simple steps can help you keep costs under control:

  • Book before the yard gets out of hand: Light cleanups cost much less than tackling months of accumulated leaves, branches, and weeds.
  • Book only the part of your yard that needs the most attention: If your front yard is tidy, you can hire a LawnStarter pro to take care of only your backyard.
  • Handle the easy prep yourself: Moving outdoor furniture, pet toys, and other obstacles can reduce labor time.
  • Maintain your yard regularly: Hire a pro for routine mowing, pruning, and leaf removal to prevent large cleanups that cost more.

FAQ

What is the fastest way to clean up your yard?

The fastest way to clean your yard is by using a leaf blower and a mulcher. Some leaf blowers can mulch or vacuum leaves, but many people mow over the leaves with a mulching mower.

Note: This method won’t be sufficient if you need to remove large debris, such as fallen branches.

Should I tip my yard cleanup pro?

Tipping is optional, but it’s a thoughtful way to show appreciation for exceptional work, especially on large cleanups or jobs completed in hot or challenging conditions.

What should I look for when hiring a yard cleanup service?

Focus on reliability, accountability, and insurance. Read reviews, confirm the company or pro is insured, and look for a service that stands behind its work with a satisfaction guarantee.

Hire a LawnStarter Pro for a Clean Sweep

Yard cleanups are essential, but they can take a lot of work. You can save hours of your time (maybe even a whole weekend) by hiring a local lawn cleanup pro to remove leaves, twigs, and other debris from your yard. 

We also offer standalone services for leaf removal, bush trimming, flower bed weeding, and many other lawn care services

Main Image: Wheelbarrow filled with garden waste on lawn. Image Credit: Unsplash

Maria Isabela Reis

Maria Isabela Reis is a writer with a Ph.D. in social psychology who’s been writing about lawn care and landscaping for over three years. She enjoys breaking down how outdoor spaces work and spends her downtime with her dogs, her plants, and a good cup of coffee.