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How Much Does Yard Cleanup Cost in 2025?
Normal Range: $200 - $600
The average yard cleanup service costs $360
How we get this data
Highlights
Professional services for yard cleanup cost an average of $360 nationwide.
Property dimensions, service type, location, and frequency are all important cost factors.
Fall yard maintenance requires more extensive work than spring cleanups.
Establishing a regular maintenance schedule prevents expensive emergency cleanups.
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This article was created using automation technology and thoroughly fact-checked and edited by HomeAdvisor Editor Ryan Noonan.
Fallen branches, scattered leaves, and accumulated debris can quickly transform your yard into an unsightly mess. On average, homeowners spend between $200 and $600 on professional yard cleanup costs, with a national average of $360.
Standard yard debris removal costs between $0.02 and $0.05 per square foot, while more complex jobs involving junk removal may run up to $0.10 per square foot.
Maintaining your outdoor spaces regularly helps prevent excessive buildup and preserves your property's curb appeal. Understanding the various factors that influence yard cleanup pricing will help you budget appropriately for seasonal or one-time services.
Yard Cleanup Cost Factors
Several variables determine what you'll pay for yard cleanup services, from the specific tasks needed to your property's characteristics and your geographic location.
Type of Yard Cleanup
The complexity of your yard situation determines which services you'll need. Many properties require only basic leaf collection and debris removal, while others need comprehensive care, including pruning, weeding, and specialized services. Companies often provide package deals when you combine multiple services, potentially reducing your overall expense.
| Service | Description | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Leaf removal | Raking, bagging, and disposing of fallen leaves | $190–$600 |
| Junk removal | Hauling away yard debris and unwanted items | $130–$380+ |
| Mowing | Cutting overgrown grass and weeds | $50–$200 |
| Weeding | Removing unwanted plants from beds and lawn | $50–$150 |
| Installing mulch | Adding a protective layer to garden beds | $100–$350 |
| Forestry mulching | Clearing brush with specialized equipment | $400–$1,500 |
| Hedge/tree pruning | Trimming and shaping trees and shrubs | $270–$1,400 |
| Garden cleanup | Preparing or clearing garden beds | $45–$75 per hour |
Yard Size
Your property's dimensions play a crucial role in determining cleanup costs. Professionals charge between $0.02 and $0.10 per square foot, with standard debris removal at the lower end and junk removal pushing toward the higher range. Property features like slopes, gardens, or numerous obstacles may increase costs as they complicate the cleanup process.
| Yard Size (Acres) | Description | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| 1/6 | Small residential lot | $150–$225 |
| 1/5 | Modest suburban property | $175–$275 |
| 1/4 | Standard suburban lot | $225–$400 |
| 1/2 | Medium-sized property | $430–$700 |
| 3/4 | Large suburban property | $650–$800 |
| 1 | Extensive residential land | $850–$1,100 |
Frequency
Regular maintenance schedules can provide better value over time. While the annual cost increases with more frequent service, the per-visit price decreases substantially. Many companies offer discounted rates for scheduled maintenance programs.
| Frequency | Annual Cost per Cleanup |
|---|---|
| Annual | $360 |
| Quarterly | $125 |
| Monthly | $50 |
Pricing Method
Service providers use different pricing structures depending on the job scope. The personnel expenses comprise approximately 90% to 95% of your cleanup bill, with materials and supplies making up the remainder. Always request detailed quotes that specify all charges, including waste disposal fees and any potential additional costs.
| Method | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Per hour | $30–$80 |
| Flat rate | $200–$600 |
| Per square foot | $0.02–$0.05 |
Season
The time of year affects both service availability and pricing. Fall cleanups cost more than spring work due to heavier leaf volume and more intensive labor requirements. Scheduling during less busy periods may help secure better rates, though weather conditions in your area will influence optimal timing.
| Season | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Spring | $100–$300 |
| Fall | $200–$500 |
Labor
The workforce component represents the largest portion of your yard cleanup expense. Professional crews charge between $30 and $80 per hour per worker, with rates varying based on experience level and job complexity. Material costs remain minimal, under $40 for basic supplies like disposal bags or small amounts of mulch.
How Often Should You Clean Up Your Yard?
Most properties benefit from at least two major cleanups annually—one in early spring to prepare for the growing season and another in fall after leaf drop. This approach prevents excessive debris accumulation while maintaining your landscape's health and appearance.
Many homeowners find that scheduling quarterly or monthly maintenance provides optimal results. Regular attention prevents small issues from becoming major problems and maintains consistent curb appeal. Your local climate and vegetation will determine your ideal maintenance schedule. HomeAdvisor can assist in establishing an appropriate maintenance plan with reliable local service providers.
Cost of Common Yard Cleanup Add-Ons
Comprehensive property maintenance often involves additional services beyond basic cleanup. Popular complementary services include:
Fence maintenance: $300–$900
Gutter cleaning: $120–$230
Pressure washing for driveways or patios: $100–$400
Stump grinding: $120–$400
Landscaping: $1,250–$6,300
Land clearing: $1,400–$6,200
Combining multiple services during a single visit often results in cost efficiencies. Many contractors offer package deals when you schedule complementary services simultaneously, reducing both the overall expense and the disruption to your property.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro for Yard Cleanup
Tackling yard cleanup yourself requires an investment in proper equipment and time. Essential tools include:
Lawn mower: $200–$750
Rake: $12–$40
Weed trimmer: $150–$400
Leaf blower: $90–$400
Hedge trimmer: $70–$400
Beyond the initial equipment investment, DIY approaches demand significant time commitments, especially for larger or neglected properties.
Hiring experts brings efficiency, proper equipment, and knowledgeable approaches to yard management. Professionals can often complete in hours what might take homeowners entire weekends, while also ensuring proper disposal of yard waste.
How to Save Money on Yard Cleanup Costs
Consider these cost-saving strategies to make your yard cleanup more budget-friendly:
Request estimates from multiple local yard cleanup providers to compare pricing and included services.
Schedule yard work during off-peak seasons when demand is lower.
Combine several outdoor maintenance tasks into a single service call.
Establish regular maintenance to prevent excessive debris accumulation.
Coordinate with neighbors to share service costs when possible.
Handle debris disposal yourself if local options are available.
Consider longer-term service agreements for reduced per-visit rates.
Perform simple maintenance tasks between professional visits.
Utilize natural mulching techniques where appropriate.
Inquire about seasonal promotions or weekday service discounts.
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. After a project is complete, we survey real customers about the 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.
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