What to Expect When You Hire a Leaf Removal Service

Hiring a leaf removal service makes sense if leaves are covering your yard and you don’t want to rake, blow, or bag them yourself.

Obviously, you want to hire a leaf cleanup crew that is reliable and does a thorough job. With firsthand input from lawn care pros, we’ll walk you through what to expect when you hire a leaf removal service, including leaf removal costs and how often you’ll need leaf cleanup.

Leaf removal can be an exhausting and time-consuming chore, so if you’re unsure where to start or don’t have the energy for raking your yard, hire a pro to clean up your yard for you.

Timing and Scheduling

You may need either a single service or regularly scheduled cleanups every few weeks. Some yards need leaf cleanup as frequently as weekly or biweekly, depending on the number of trees on your property.

“The frequency of removing the leaves is dictated by the leaf accumulation,” says Kumar Gonzalez of Depot Lawncare in Nashville, Tennessee. If it rains or is windy, the leaf-falling accelerates. “Leaf removal should be done (as often as) once a week, depending on what trees you have, how many you have on the property, when they lose their leaves, and the particular climate and area you are in,” he says.

Pro Tip: It’s best to remove leaves on a dry day. If possible, avoid scheduling leaf removal after a rainy day. Wet leaves stick to the grass and weigh more than dry leaves, making it harder to clean up wet leaves.

Cost Factors

Leaf removal costs vary based on the company (so shop around). The cost for leaf removal generally ranges between $107 and $435. Here are factors that determine the amount you will pay for a service:

• Yard size: A leaf cleanup costs less for smaller yards and more for larger yards.
• Number of trees: The more trees, the more leaves, and the higher the cost.
• Leaf removal method: Raking leaves takes more time and effort than blowing leaves. The most expensive method is vacuuming.
• Frequency: Recurring services typically cost less per visit than a one-time leaf cleanup.
• Location: Some areas of the country (the Northeast, for example) need leaf removal weekly or biweekly, which increases the overall cost. Also, some lawn maintenance businesses charge differently depending on your ZIP code.
• Amount of leaves: Some leaf removal services charge by the number of bags.
• Bundled services: If your usual mowing service also clears the leaves from your lawn, paying for bundled services can be cheaper than paying for standalone leaf removal service.

Leaf Removal Methods and Equipment

Most leaf removal companies blow leaves into piles, bag them, and haul them away for you. A good leaf cleanup service will not leave piles of leaves or bags sitting on your lawn. 

Ask your lawn care company what equipment they use. The tools that a company uses “depend on the size of the company,” says Raymond Turlington, owner of Turlington Lawn Service in Alvord, Texas. A lawn care company’s preferred leaf removal tools also might depend on the size of your yard. 

The most common leaf removal tools are:

• Leaf blower: The most commonly used commercial leaf removal tool. 
• Rake: This method usually costs more than leaf-blowing.
• Leaf vacuum: Leaf vacuums are less common and more expensive, but some companies use them.

Your lawn care service should clear your lawn, walkways, and garden beds of leaves.

See Related: 

• 12 Types of Rakes: Uses and Tips
• Best Ways to Clean Up Leaves in Your Yard
• 16 Tips for Cleaning Up Leaves in Your Yard

Disposal and Environmental Considerations

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, we sent over 10 million tons of leaves and other lawn debris to the landfill in 2018. You don’t want your leaves to wind up in the garbage dump, especially in bags that aren’t biodegradable. 

A good leaf removal service will haul away your leaves and use them for organic compost or mulch. This is more beneficial for the environment and prevents leaves from filling up landfills. 

Before you hire a leaf removal service, ask the company if they compost their leaves or throw them away.

Here are some other leaf disposal considerations to be aware of:

• Local regulations: Before hiring anyone to pick up your leaves, check with your town or city’s leaf policies. Some municipalities offer a leaf removal program. For instance, the Village of Western Springs, Illinois, collects leaves from residential streets starting in mid-October and ending the last week of November.
• Gutter disposal: Unless you live in a town like Western Springs that picks up leaves curbside, you shouldn’t let your leaf removal company sweep the leaves to the curb, says Turlington. A good lawn care company bags leaves and hauls them away. 
• City pickup: Leaves picked up by some cities, including Indianapolis, end up in a landfill, but in a different area of it. Once a machine separates the bags from the plant life, the landfill workers place the bits and pieces in large piles that decompose. The following spring, gardeners can pick up mulch from the landfill.

See Related: What to Do With Fallen Leaves in Your Yard

What to Look For

Whenever you hire a leaf removal service, always get a written contract outlining the terms of the service. The contract should include specific terms, such as:

• How frequently will the service remove leaves in your yard?
• What areas of your yard will the service clear of debris?
• What method will you use to pay the company?
• How much will you pay the company?

A written document is necessary legal proof of the agreement between you and the company. Never hire a company that refuses to write up a written contract. 

Here are some other things to look for when you are selecting a leaf removal service:

• Bonded and insured: “Ask them if they have insurance,” suggests Turlington. Any lawn care company you hire should also be bonded. This protects you from being liable if a worker is injured or any property is damaged while working in your yard. 
• Positive reviews: Research the company and search for customer reviews on their leaf removal services.
• References: Ask for a reference from a homeowner who has previously used the company’s services.

Pro Tip: “Person to person is best,” says Turlington, explaining that he relies on word-of-mouth for business rather than advertising. If you have trouble finding a leaf removal company, ask friends, family, co-workers, or neighbors in your area for recommendations for a good leaf removal service.

Quality Standards

When a professional cleans up your yard, these are some things that determine if they are a reliable service:

• Complete cleanup: Your leaf removal service should not only rake your leaves into piles but also dispose of the leaves and haul them away for you. 
• Proper equipment: Lawn care companies should own their own equipment. Their equipment should be well-maintained and in working order.
• Good communication: A good leaf removal provider will clearly communicate how they intend to service your yard and be willing to answer your questions. They will also be good listeners who follow your instructions.
• Follow up: A good lawn care service will provide specific details about the service performed and reminders about upcoming appointments, if you booked any.

FAQ About Hiring a Leaf Removal Service

Don’t Strain Your Back. Hire a Leaf Removal Service

Choosing the right leaf removal service depends on your budget, yard size, and how many trees you have. Don’t be afraid to ask your lawn care company questions about service costs, equipment use, and leaf disposal.

You have better things to do on your fall weekends, so get back the time you lose raking, blowing, and bagging your leaves. LawnStarter’s local leaf removal services are easy and affordable. You won’t strain your back or wallet when you let pros handle your leaf cleanup.

Read Next: How to Remove leaves From Mulch and Flower Beds

Main image: A leaf blower is used to collect leaves. Photo Credit: Dean Hochman / Flickr / CC BY 2.0