If your lawn is buried under end-of-summer debris — or you’re already dreading October’s leaves — the first question is what yard cleanup costs. In 2026, most homeowners pay $200–$600 per visit for a professional yard cleanup, with the national average around $360. Crews typically charge $30–$80 per hour, and the season matters more than almost anything else: a spring cleanup often runs $100–$300, while the same yard in fall can cost $200–$600. Late August and early September are the sweet spot to book — you’ll get on a crew’s fall list before the rush and often at better rates.
What Affects Yard Cleanup Cost
Pros price cleanups on a handful of factors:
- Yard size. Expect roughly $20–$50 per 1,000 sq ft. A quarter-acre lot usually lands at $200–$500; a full acre can run $850–$1,100.
- Season. Fall is the most expensive cleanup of the year — everyone needs leaf removal at once, so demand pricing kicks in.
- Condition. An overgrown yard that hasn’t been touched all season takes far more labor than one on a regular lawn mowing schedule.
- Debris volume and disposal. Hauling away branches, leaf bags, and green waste may be billed separately, similar to junk removal pricing.
- Extras. Gutter clearing, hedge trimming, aeration, and flower-bed prep each add to the bill — see our gardening cost guide for those rates.
Yard Cleanup Prices: US and Canada
| Job type | Typical range (USD/CAD) |
|---|---|
| Spring cleanup | $100 – $300 |
| Fall cleanup (leaf removal) | $200 – $600 |
| Hourly crew rate | $30 – $80/hr |
| Quarter-acre full cleanup | $200 – $500 |
| Full-acre cleanup | $850 – $1,100 |
Canadian prices track the US ranges in most cities, but big metros run higher: in the Greater Toronto Area, a full seasonal cleanup typically costs $300–$600 CAD per visit. In US cities like Denver, where large lots and heavy leaf drop are common, expect the upper half of the national range.
Fall vs Spring: Timing Is Everything
Fall cleanups cost more for a simple reason — leaf volume and simultaneous demand. Every yard in the neighborhood needs service in the same four-to-six-week window, so crews book out and prices climb. Spring cleanups are lighter jobs (winter debris, first mow prep) and cheaper.
The money move in 2026: schedule your fall cleanup before Labor Day. Crews reward early bookings because they can plan routes, and you avoid scrambling for an opening when the first cold snap drops every leaf at once.
DIY vs Hiring a Pro
DIY is genuinely cheap here — a rake, paper yard-waste bags, and a weekend cost maybe $50–$100 in supplies. It makes sense for small lots with one or two trees.
Hiring wins when volume gets serious. A large treed lot can generate 20+ bags of leaves, and pros arrive with commercial blowers, tarps, and a trailer — finishing in two hours what takes you two weekends. Disposal matters too: many cities restrict green-waste pickup, and pros handle hauling. Anything involving ladders (gutters) or chainsaws (limbs — see our tree removal guide) is worth leaving to insured professionals.
How to Vet a Yard Cleanup Pro
- Get an itemized quote — what’s included (leaves, beds, gutters, hauling) and what’s extra.
- Confirm disposal — is green-waste hauling in the price, or billed per bag/load?
- Check insurance — anyone using power equipment on your property should carry liability coverage.
- Ask about bundles — many crews discount cleanup when you commit to seasonal mowing or snow removal.
The easiest route: post your job and budget on Masters’ Guild and let vetted local pros come to you with offers. Every pro is identity-verified, and payment is held until the job is done — find a yard cleanup pro near you or browse the yard cleanup service page to see what’s covered.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a fall yard cleanup cost in 2026?
Most homeowners pay $200–$600 for a fall cleanup, depending on yard size and leaf volume. It’s the priciest cleanup of the year, so booking before the October rush saves money.
How much does yard cleanup cost per hour?
Crews typically charge $30–$80 per hour per worker in 2026, with complex landscape work running up to $100 per hour in some markets.
Is it cheaper to do yard cleanup myself?
Yes — DIY supplies run $50–$100. But large treed lots take pros about two hours with commercial equipment versus multiple DIY weekends, and pros handle green-waste disposal.
When should I book a fall cleanup?
Late August through September. Crews fill their October and November calendars early, and early bookings often beat peak-season pricing.
Ready to cross yard cleanup off the list? Post your job, set your budget, and get offers from verified local pros — free for homeowners. Get quotes on MastersGuild
