How Much Does Leaf Removal Cost in 2025?
Leaf removal and yard cleanup costs an average of $377
On average, most homeowners pay between $190 and $591 on leaf removal costs, with most projects averaging $377.
Your final price depends on your yard size and the cleanup method you choose.
Plan for extras like tree density, how often you schedule service, and any add-on cleanup tasks.
Regular leaf removal keeps your grass and plants healthy by clearing away the blanket of leaves that blocks sunlight and traps moisture.
Proper leaf removal safeguards your landscape from mold and pests.
This article was updated using automation technology and thoroughly reviewed for accuracy by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Leaf removal costs average between $190 and $591—though yard size, location, and how often you book service will nudge that number up or down. In some cases, you could pay as little as $70, while large yards or heavy debris can boost your costs up to $1,200.
Leaf removal keeps your lawn looking tidy and protects it from mold and pests. Set aside room in the budget now so you can schedule clean-ups as often as your yard needs.
Leaf Removal Cost Factors
How much you’ll pay for removing leaves and cleaning up your yard depends on a variety of factors. Here’s a closer look at how your total breaks down.
Cost Per Acre
Leaf removal can run anywhere from $400 to $1,000 per acre. However, most homes sit on a 1/6 acre lot. The most common lot sizes and pricing include:
| Acreage | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| 1/6 acre | $150–$200 |
| 1/5 acre | $175–$225 |
| 1/4 acre | $175–$250 |
| 1/2 acre | $200–$500 |
| 3/4 acre | $300–$750 |
| 1 acre | $400–$1,000 |
Service Frequency
To save money on a big yard, lock in a service contract instead of booking one-off cleanups. A one-time visit costs between $200 and $850, while an annual contract ranges from $150 to $500. Depending on your needs, quarterly, monthly, or bi-weekly contracts are also available. Below are average yearly costs for each service contract type.
| Frequency | Cost Range per Year | Average Cost per Year |
|---|---|---|
| One-time visit | $200–$850 | $525 |
| Annual | $150–$500 | $500 |
| Quarterly | $250–$750 | $525 |
| Monthly | $300–$900 | $600 |
| Bi-Weekly | $1,000–$1,500 | $1,250 |
Bagging and Disposal
Pros charge by the hour to blow or rake leaves into piles. If you want them to bag and haul everything away, budget an extra $5 to $10 per bag. That add-on is worth it when you’re not planning to turn the leaves into compost or mulch yourself.
Number of Trees
More trees mean more leaves—and more time on the job—so expect your price to climb as tree count rises.
Labor
Because pros bill by the hour, labor makes up 90% to 95% of your bill. On average, your labor costs will fall between $170 and $570. Bigger lawns, wetter leaves, and deep piles all slow the crew down—and every extra hour shows up on your invoice.
Leaf Removal Costs by Method
Leaf removal methods include blowing, raking, or vacuuming, each costing between $15 and $60 per hour. Most companies have a minimum service charge, ranging from $75 to $100, regardless of yard size. Additionally, if you require leaf disposal, expect to pay an extra $5 to $10 per bag of collected leaves.
| Removal Method | Average Cost per Hour |
|---|---|
| Blowing | $15–$45 |
| Raking | $25–$50 |
| Vacuuming | $40–$60 |
Blowing
Blowing leaves costs an average of $30 per hour, or between $15 and $45, plus $5 to $10 per bag for disposal. Electric or gas blowers clear dry leaves fast, but they struggle with soggy piles and can scatter debris instead of pushing it into neat rows. Remember, too, that a rake is still necessary to get the collected leaves into bags ready for disposal.
Raking
Most people pay an average of $32.50 per hour for leaf raking, with a range of $25 to $50, plus the $5 to $10 per bag fee for leaf removal. A pro wields a heavy-duty rake to corral leaves into manageable piles. Raking takes longer on big lawns, but it’s gentle on turf and still works when leaves are wet or starting to break down.
Vacuuming
Vacuuming leaves will run you an average of $50 per hour, plus the bagging and disposal fee of $5 to $10 per bag. Vacuuming is quick, but the collection bag fills fast and needs frequent emptying. Wet leaves and mud can clog the hose, slowing the crew while they clear jammed debris.
Additional Yard Cleanup Services
Many homeowners choose to bundle these related services with their leaf removal project:
Mulching
Mulching costs $50 to $150. Your pro uses a vacuum with a shredder inside to shred the leaves into small pieces as they're vacuumed. Your pro will then empty the leaf bag where directed. This efficient option eliminates a disposal fee, as you can use the leaf waste in your garden. Leaf mulch is a great addition to compost piles, lawn fertilizer, or top dressing for garden beds.
Gutter Cleaning
Gutter cleaning costs an average of $1 to 2 per linear foot. If trees are near your home, leaves may accumulate in your gutters as well as on your lawn. Therefore, it is practical to have your gutters cleaned at the same time as leaf removal. Neglecting gutter maintenance can lead to significant property damage over time.
Save the yearly fees with gutter leaf screens. These plastic screens keep the junk out of the gutters to both avoid downspout clogs and yearly cleanings. Installing gutter guards costs an average of $1,520, but the investment eliminates the need for yearly cleanings.
Landscape Cleanup
Landscape cleanup prices vary depending on the type of cleanup you need. Some common services and their average prices include:
Tree removal costs between $400 and $1,200
Lawn aeration costs between $75 and $200
Garden and flower bed cleanup ranges between $60 and $100
Budgeting for Leaf Removal
Consider these cost-saving strategies to make your leaf removal projects more wallet-friendly:
Stay on top of regular yard maintenance services to avoid heavy debris removal, which increases labor costs and increases the potential for mold or pest problems.
Sign up for an annual yard care contract that offers a discount on each service or visit.
Get quotes from at least three local leaf removal pros to ensure competitive pricing.
DIY vs. Hiring a Leaf Removal Pro
If you have the time and the physical ability, you can rake and bag leaves yourself. Still, the work is labor-intensive. Paying a pro frees up your weekend and leaves the yard spotless in a fraction of the time. Alternatively, you might rake the leaves yourself and hire a professional to handle the disposal.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed over 30,000 real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
You have a few options once the leaves are in piles. Ask your crew to bag them for curbside yard-waste pickup, drop them at a local compost center, or donate them if a community garden will take them.
Prefer the DIY route? Load the bags into your trailer and haul them to the nearest waste facility. Any of these choices keep your yard clear and handle the leaves in an eco-friendly way.
Yes, you should remove the majority of leaves from your yard. A light leaf layer breaks down and feeds the soil, but thick mats smother grass, trap moisture, and invite mold and pests. If your trees drop a lot of foliage, aim for two or more cleanups each fall to keep your lawn healthy and looking sharp.
For speed and minimal strain, blow leaves into tidy piles, then bag them for pickup or composting. A blower covers big areas quickly and spares delicate garden beds. If you want the job finished even faster—or you’d rather skip the heavy lifting—hire a pro to handle the blowing and bagging in one visit.
