Denver yard cleanup: Hiring and disposal

Define the cleanup before requesting quotes

Walk the property and make a task list for the front yard, backyard, planting beds, and access paths. Tell each bidder whether you want leaf collection, loose-twig pickup, weed removal, or removal of existing debris piles. Mark plants you want to keep and identify any areas the crew should leave alone.

Send wide photos of each work area and close-ups of the largest piles. Include the gate width, steps, parking location, and the route between the yard and the loading area. Ask the bidder to confirm the scope after seeing the property if photos leave questions about access or debris volume.

Request a written price that identifies labor, bags, hauling, disposal charges, and optional tasks. For hourly work, ask whether the rate covers one worker or the whole crew, then agree on a spending limit and an approval process for extra work. Use property-specific bids to set your budget.

Choose where the leaves and branches will go

Choose between preparing leaves for your own disposal trip, filling your compost cart within its limits, and paying the crew to haul debris away. Denver accepts loose leaves and compostable leaf bags in green compost carts. Keep the lid closed and ask the crew to leave any excess on your property in an agreed location. [1] [2]

For LeafDrop, use paper bags to keep your disposal options open. The city identifies the program for Denver residents; confirm eligibility and load acceptance before assuming a hired crew can deliver on your behalf. Ask the crew to name its disposal destination when hauling forms part of the quote. [1]

Measure the largest fallen branches before choosing cart disposal. Denver assigns residents responsibility for disposing of branches over 4 inches in diameter or over 4 feet in length. Its guidance directs residents to compost branches and stumps under 4 inches in diameter and less than 4 feet long. Confirm acceptance with the city for pieces at the stated boundaries. [2]

Separate leaf collection from tree work

Ask the cleanup bidder to distinguish collecting fallen material from cutting, trimming, pruning, or removing trees. Denver requires businesses performing tree care to hold a Tree Service Company license. Check that credential before authorizing tree work, and ask for evidence of insurance as part of your hiring review. [3]

Determine whether a tree stands on private property or in the public right-of-way before agreeing to removal. Denver requires an approved City Forester permit for right-of-way tree removal. The city allows pruning there without a permit but requires industry-standard work. Contact the Office of the City Forester if you cannot establish the tree's location or ownership. [3]

For tree-service work, follow the city's recommendation to obtain at least three written, detailed bids and check references. A city license does not guarantee workmanship. Keep the tree-work scope and any permit responsibility clear even if the same company also collects your leaves. [3]

Schedule the visit and inspect the finished work

Decide whether you want one visit after most leaves have fallen or an initial cleanup with a possible return visit. Ask how the contractor handles weather delays and whether a second visit needs a new quote. The National Weather Service's Central Park record includes autumn snowfall normals, so check the forecast when arranging outdoor work and a disposal trip. [4]

Before the crew arrives, unlock access, move portable furniture, secure pets, and point out irrigation fittings or other items hidden beneath leaves. Agree on where the crew may stage bags and where it can park without blocking access.

Walk the agreed areas with the crew before closing the job. Check the beds and paths, confirm that the crew removed the promised debris, and inspect any plants you marked for protection. If you chose cart preparation, check the lid and set-out arrangement. Denver requires residents to keep carts on their property between collections. [2]

Autumn snowfall normals at Denver Central Park

Choose the cleanup and disposal scope

Your hiring checklist

1. Photograph each work area and identify plants the crew should protect.
2. List leaf collection, fallen-branch pickup, weed removal, and hauling as separate tasks.
3. Measure gate access and the largest branches in existing debris piles.
4. Choose cart preparation, paper-bag preparation, or contractor hauling before comparing bids.
5. Ask for the disposal destination and written approval terms for extra charges.
6. Check the Denver tree-service license if the scope includes tree cutting or pruning.
7. Agree on access, staging, weather delays, and any return visit.
8. Inspect the agreed areas and disposal arrangements with the crew before closing the job.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I compare yard cleanup quotes?

Give each bidder the same photos and task list. Compare the work areas, debris handling, hauling, and disposal charges. For hourly bids, confirm the crew size and agree on a spending limit. Ask the contractor to obtain your approval before adding tasks.

Can the crew leave leaves for city compost collection?

Denver accepts loose leaves and compostable leaf bags in green compost carts. Ask the crew to fill within the cart's capacity and keep the lid closed. Agree on a separate plan for excess leaves because the city will not empty overfilled, stuffed, or excessively heavy carts. [1] [2]

Can I take loose leaves to any LeafDrop site?

For the 2026 weekend program, Denver accepts loose leaves at Cherry Creek Transfer Station only. The other weekend sites require paper bags. Check the city's current site instructions before loading your vehicle, and specify paper bagging in the cleanup quote if you need it. [1]

Does a cleanup contractor need a license to prune trees?

Denver requires businesses performing tree care, including pruning and removal, to hold a Tree Service Company license. Ask for evidence of that license. For right-of-way tree removal, also confirm City Forester permit approval before work begins. [3]