Raking leaves sounds simple enough until you’re staring at a lawn covered in them. If you’d rather leave the work to a pro, expect to pay an average of $170 per visit for leaf removal.
That said, not every property needs the same amount of work. Homeowners typically spend between $76 and $325, with costs varying based on factors such as yard size, number of trees, and local labor rates.
This guide uses pricing data from Lawn Love leaf removal services completed over the past 12 months, giving you a realistic picture of what you can expect to pay for professional leaf cleanup today.
How much does leaf removal cost per year?
The more a pro visits your home in a year, the less it’s going to cost you per visit. Of course, you’ll pay more per year, but you’ll also get a consistently maintained yard.
The table below illustrates what you can expect to pay in a year, depending on the type of contract:
| Type of contract | Average cost range |
| One-time visit | $76 – $325 |
| Quarterly contract | $250 – $750 per year |
| Monthly contract | $300 – $900 per year |
| Bi-weekly contract | $1,000 – $1,500 per year |
Lawn Love leaf removal prices in 50 cities
Where you live can have a noticeable impact on leaf removal costs. Homeowners in large metro areas often pay more due to higher labor costs and demand, while those in smaller cities may benefit from lower rates.
The table below highlights average leaf removal prices in cities across the country using Lawn Love service data from the past 12 months:
What does leaf removal cost? Compare by platform
There are several ways to hire a leaf removal professional, from full-service lawn care platforms to quote-based marketplaces. Here’s a look at how common providers stack up on price and service:
| Service | Typical per-visit cost | How it works | Best for |
| Lawn Love | $76 – $325 | Easy online booking with background-checked lawn care and landscaping providers | Homeowners looking for a convenient solution for ongoing yard and garden maintenance |
| GreenPal | $145 – $175 | Multiple lawn care providers submit bids for your project | Customers who prefer shopping around before hiring |
| Lawn Guru | $174 – $487 | Mobile app that connects homeowners with nearby independent service providers | Customers looking for same-day or next-day availability |
| Thumbtack/ Angi | $131 – $374 | Browse local pros and connect directly with service providers | Homeowners who like comparing multiple options before making a decision |
| LawnStarter | $170 | Connect with background-checked professionals through a platform that handles scheduling and support | Homeowners who want a reliable, hands-off booking experience |
See related: What Should You Expect from a Leaf Removal Service?
Which factors affect leaf removal costs?
A small yard with a few scattered leaves takes far less time to clean than a large property covered in them. Here are the main factors that can affect the price of leaf removal:
1. Number of trees
This one is pretty straightforward: More trees mean more leaves.
A yard with a handful of trees might need only a quick cleanup, while a property surrounded by mature trees can end up covered in leaves several times throughout the fall. The more leaves there are to blow, rake, bag, and haul away, the longer the job will take, and the more you’ll typically pay for leaf removal.
2. Property size
In general, the bigger the yard, the more you’ll pay for leaf removal. Larger properties take longer to clean and often have more leaves to collect, bag, and haul away.
Of course, yard size isn’t the only thing that matters. A small lot packed with mature trees may generate more leaves than a larger property with only a few trees. Still, size is one of the main factors providers use when pricing a leaf cleanup.
As a point of reference, homeowners with a typical 1/4-acre yard usually pay between $160 and $290 for leaf removal. The estimates below can help you get a rough idea of what your property might cost:
| Project Size | Average Cost |
| 1/6 acre | $115 – $185 |
| 1/5 acre | $140 – $215 |
| 1/4 acre | $160 – $290 |
| 1/2 acre | $230 – $475 |
| 3/4 acre | $305 – $710 |
| 1 acre | $410 – $925 |
3. Method of leaf removal
There are 3 common methods of leaf removal, each with its own pros, cons, and associated costs.
| Leaf removal method | Average cost of service per hour |
| Leaf raking | $25 – $50 |
| Leaf blowing | $15 – $45 |
| Leaf vacuuming | $37 – $60 |
- Leaf raking: Raking up leaves takes a lot longer than blowing or vacuuming, so you can expect to spend more if your crew is being paid by the hour.
- Leaf blowing: Leaf blowing involves using a leaf blower to blow the leaves onto a tarp for easy disposal.
- Leaf vacuuming: Leaf vacuuming involves using a vacuum to remove leaves from your lawn without a tarp. This typically costs more per hour than raking, but it clears large yards fast. So, that efficiency often makes it cheaper in the long run than paying a crew to rake all afternoon.
Tip: Even if your yard needs only a quick cleanup, many providers charge a minimum service fee to cover travel time, labor, and equipment costs.
DIY vs. hiring a pro: What you’ll pay
Leaf removal is a project many homeowners can tackle themselves, but it can also be surprisingly time-consuming and physically demanding, especially if you have a large yard or several mature trees.
If you decide to go the DIY route, you’ll likely need:
- Leaf rake: Around $25
- Leaf blower: Around $150
- Leaf vacuum: Around $150
A rake is the most affordable option, but it also requires the most physical effort. Leaf blowers and vacuums can speed up the job and reduce strain, though they come with a higher upfront cost.
Hiring a professional for leaf removal costs more than doing the work yourself, but it can save hours of labor and eliminate the hassle of collecting, bagging, and disposing of leaves.
See related:
– How to Choose the Right Rake for Leaf Removal (and More)
– Tips for Cleaning Up Leaves in Your Yard
– The Best Way to Remove Leaves From Your Yard
Which leaf removal service is best for you?
Every platform approaches leaf removal a little differently. The right choice depends on whether you care most about convenience, price, speed, or provider selection.
- Lawn Love: A good fit if you’re looking for a one-stop shop for yard maintenance. In addition to leaf removal, you can book lawn mowing, gardening, and other outdoor services through the same platform.
- GreenPal: Best for homeowners who enjoy comparing offers before making a decision. Because multiple pros can bid on your project, it’s often a good option for finding competitive pricing.
- Lawn Guru: Worth considering if you need service quickly. Its app-based model focuses on convenience and fast turnaround times, making it useful for last-minute cleanups.
- Thumbtack/Angi: Ideal if you want to browse local providers, read reviews, and gather several estimates before hiring. These marketplaces give homeowners more control over the selection process.
- LawnStarter: A strong choice for homeowners who prefer a more hands-off experience. Instant quotes, screened professionals, and customer-backed service guarantees help simplify the booking process.
The Lawn Love difference
Lawn Love is designed to make hiring outdoor service professionals easier, from getting a quote to completing the job.
- Know the cost upfront: Get an instant online quote before scheduling service.
- Book on your terms: Whether you need a one-time cleanup or ongoing maintenance, services can be scheduled and managed online.
- Background-checked local providers: Lawn Love vets professionals before they join the platform and uses customer feedback to help maintain service quality.
- Built-in protection: Services are backed by a multi-million-dollar general liability policy.
- Customer satisfaction support: If an issue comes up, Lawn Love will work with you and the provider to make it right, including a re-service or refund when appropriate.
FAQ
You can bag leaves, compost them, or mulch them. If you choose to bag, many cities offer yard waste pickup services.
For more information, read our guide: Useful Things To Do With Your Fall Leaves
Don’t. Leaves smother grass, keep sunlight and water from nourishing your lawn, and serve as a breeding ground for pests.
You can read more about this topic in our article: What Happens If You Don’t Remove Fallen Leaves in Your Yard?
A tidy lawn awaits with Lawn Love
If you’d rather spend your Saturday watching the game than wrangling piles of crunching leaves, hire a leaf removal pro to remove the leaves for you. Lawn Love also offers lawn mowing and bush trimming to get your lawn ready for winter and off to a strong start come spring. A clear lawn is just one smartphone call away.
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Main Image: Raking fallen leaves. Image Credit: maxbelchenko / Adobe Stock
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