The cost to remove leaves from a yard is typically $100-$300 for a standard residential cleanup, with small, lightly covered lawns costing less and large or heavily wooded properties costing more. Yard size, leaf depth, hauling distance, labor rates, and whether leaves are bagged or hauled away drive the final quote.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yard leaf cleanup | $50 | $175 | $500+ | Small to large residential properties |
| Per visit, lawn service | $75 | $150 | $350 | Usually includes blowing or raking |
| Leaf removal by area | $0.02 | $0.05 | $0.10 | Per square foot; scope and access matter |
| Bagging and haul-away | $25 | $75 | $200+ | May be charged separately |
What a Typical Yard Leaf Cleanup Costs
For a typical 5,000- to 10,000-square-foot yard with moderate leaf coverage, expect to pay about $100-$250 for one cleanup. A small city lot with light coverage may cost $50-$100, while a ½-acre property with mature trees can run $250-$500 or more, especially when leaves must be collected and transported.
A common estimate assumes a two-person crew, ordinary access, and no unusual disposal requirements. Some lawn companies price by the visit; others use yard size, leaf volume, or crew hours. Rates around $40-$80 per labor hour are common, though urban markets and urgent appointments may cost more.
Assumptions: U.S. residential property, standard equipment, moderate leaf accumulation, and normal access.
How Labor, Bags, and Hauling Shape the Quote
A quote may cover blowing leaves into piles, raking beds, bagging, and hauling, or only the work of clearing the lawn. Confirm which tasks are included: “leaf cleanup” does not always include removing leaves from gutters, garden beds, or hard surfaces.
| Quote item | Typical price | Pricing basis | What changes it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blowing, raking, and gathering | $40-$80 | Per labor hour | Crew size and leaf density |
| Bagging leaves | $25-$100 | Per job or bag volume | Number of bags and local rules |
| Haul-away and disposal | $25-$150 | Per load or visit | Distance and disposal fees |
| Leaf vacuum or collection equipment | $20-$75 | Equipment allowance | Equipment type and access |
| Bed and patio cleanup | $25-$100 | Per added area | Detail work and obstacles |
Ask whether disposal is included before comparing totals. A low labor-only price can become less economical if bags, loading, or dump charges are added after the work.
Why Leaf Depth and Yard Size Change the Price
Area alone does not predict the quote. A 5,000-square-foot lawn with a thin layer may take less time than a smaller yard buried under several inches of wet leaves. Properties with many trees, slopes, fences, narrow gates, or extensive planting beds often require slower hand work.
Leaf depth is a major threshold: one light layer is usually a routine visit, while 3-6 inches may require multiple passes or collection equipment. A yard above ¼ acre can also cost more when leaves are spread across several zones or the crew must carry them a long distance to the curb.
A three-hour cleanup by two workers at $50 per worker-hour, for example, produces $300 in labor before disposal or equipment charges.
Three Realistic Quotes for Different Properties
A 2,000-square-foot city yard with light coverage may take one worker about 1.5 hours. At $50 per hour plus $20 for bagging, the total is roughly $95, or about $0.05 per square foot.
A 7,500-square-foot suburban lawn with moderate coverage may need two workers for two hours. At $50 per worker-hour plus $50 haul-away, the estimate is about $250, or roughly $0.03 per square foot.
A ½-acre wooded property with deep leaves may require a three-person crew for four hours, plus $100 for disposal. At $55 per worker-hour, the total reaches about $760. These examples show why crew hours and leaf volume can matter more than the advertised starting price.
Regional Rates From Small Towns to Major Cities
Prices tend to be lower where labor and disposal are inexpensive and higher in dense metro areas with traffic, parking constraints, or costly yard-waste services. A small-town quote may be about 10%-20% below a national middle-of-the-market estimate, while a large coastal city may run 15%-35% higher.
Local rules can change the disposal portion of the bill. Some municipalities provide seasonal curbside leaf collection, while others restrict bag types, pickup dates, or yard-waste quantities. Check local collection rules before paying a contractor to haul leaves that the city will collect at no additional charge.
What Extra Charges Can Appear on Leaf Removal
Common additions include a minimum service charge of $50-$100, $25-$100 for extensive garden-bed cleanup, and $50-$200 for gutter cleaning when offered with yard work. Wet, compacted leaves can take longer to rake and load than dry leaves; steep slopes, locked gates, and long carries may also prompt a higher labor estimate.
Bagging can add $25-$100 or more depending on volume and local disposal rules. Same-day or weekend scheduling may carry a 10%-25% premium when crews are in high demand. Get the added-task price in writing, especially for gutters, bagging, and haul-away.
How to Lower the Cost Without Leaving a Mess
Request separate prices for clearing the lawn, bagging, and hauling so the scope can be adjusted. If municipal curbside pickup is available, ask whether the crew can gather leaves at the approved collection point rather than transport them. Keeping gates unlocked and moving outdoor furniture before the crew arrives can reduce labor time.
For a large property, compare a full cleanup with two lighter visits; regular removal may prevent a costly deep-leaf job, although each visit has its own minimum charge. Avoid paying for leaf vacuuming or fine bed work if a basic lawn cleanup meets the need. Compare at least two or three itemized quotes using the same yard areas and disposal requirements.