The typical cost range for leaf removal services is $190 to $600. Some, however, may have to pay more or less than this range depending on the property size, number of trees, method of removal, service provider’s rates, and other factors.
In this guide, we’ll break down all the factors that can affect the total cost of leaf removal and the cost you’ll incur for other related services that you may be interested in.
What factors affect the removal cost of leaves?
Property Size
Property size directly affects the amount of work required to clear the fallen leaves. Larger properties usually have more leaves and require more work from the hired company, resulting in higher costs.
Some leaf removal service providers may have tiered pricing based on the size of the yard. They may offer different pricing levels for small, medium, and large yards, with the cost increasing proportionally with the yard size.
Leaf removal usually costs $400 to $1,000 per acre or $0.02 to $0.10 per square foot, depending on the other factors we’ll mention here.
Tree Types and Density
Companies typically charge more for properties with higher tree density, as they’re more likely to have a larger volume of leaves that need to be cleared. More leaves mean more work and time, so the cost is naturally higher.
Some types of trees also tend to shed more leaves than others, so more leaves cover the ground. Some trees also have larger leaves, making cleaning and disposal more challenging for service providers.
Leaf removal costs for properties with a lot of sycamore, weeping willow, and red oak trees tend to be higher than usual, as these trees shed a lot of leaves.
Leaf Removal Method
Leaf Raking
Leaf raking is one of the most basic and traditional leaf removal methods. It involves using a rake to gather leaves into piles that can be thrown away or used to make compost.
This method is best for smaller yards or if you’re removing the leaves on your own. Hiring someone to rake a large property will probably cost way higher than other methods due to how labor-intensive and time-consuming this method is.
Leaf raking generally costs $10 to $15 per hour for the raking process alone. If you ask them to bag the leaves, you’ll incur an additional $5 to $10 per bag.
Leaf Blowing
Compared to manually raking leaves, leaf blowing is typically more efficient and less physically demanding.
Since it’s less labor intensive and requires a shorter amount of time, it can be the cheaper option for people with large properties.
This method can cost about $25 to $60 per hour, but companies usually impose a minimum charge of $65 to $75. $5 to $10 per bag will also be added to the total cost if you want the leaves to be collected in a bag.
Leaf Vacuuming
In leaf vacuuming, leaves are sucked up from the ground and placed directly into a bag or container using a vacuum. This speeds up the removal process and makes it easier to dispose of or compost the leaves.
However, leaf vacuuming may result in slightly higher service costs compared to leaf blowing or raking. The equipment is usually a lot more expensive than the other two, and companies impose higher minimum costs.
Vacuuming can cost anywhere between $40 and $60 per hour, plus a $5 to $10 per bag disposal fee. Most companies usually ask for a minimum fee of $75 to $85 to make up for the use of the equipment.
Duration of the Leaf Removal
Leaf removal services often charge based on the time and effort required to complete the job. If the leaf removal process takes longer, it will require more labor hours, which will increase the overall cost.
It’s essential to discuss the estimated duration of the leaf removal service with the provider during the quoting process to get a better estimate.
In some cases, they might offer different prices and packages based on the estimated time it’ll take to finish the job, so you can choose the one that best fits your budget and needs.
Frequency of Visit
Leaf removal services can be contracted for annual, quarterly, monthly, and bi-weekly visits to get constant help with maintaining your property. Generally, the more visits there are in a year, the higher the cost will be.
Annual visits usually cost $150 to $500, which is a lot cheaper than other contracts. Quarterly visits cost about $250 to $750, while monthly visits cost $300 to $900.
If you only need help once, most companies offer one-time visits, usually costing $200 to $850.
Rates of the Service Provider
The rates of the service providers have the biggest impact on your overall cost of leaf removal. The higher the rates are, the higher the cost will be.
Some service providers charge more if they’ve been in the industry for a long time and have a track record that proves their efficiency. Although they cost more per hour, they usually finish the job faster, which is great for large properties.
The rates are also likely to be higher if you live in an affluent neighborhood or if you live in a city where the cost of living is high.
Season
Seasons also affect the overall cost of leaf removal since they also affect the demand for leaf removal companies.
During fall, more and more people are asking for companies to help with their leaves, so they’re a lot busier. This also means their rates will be a lot more than usual.
Generally, the cost of leaf removal during fall starts at $300.
During spring, the cost will typically go back to the usual $200 since service providers are not as busy.
How much would DIY leaf removal cost?
Removing the leaves on your own can cost you $14 to $690, depending on the method of removal and the number of bags you’ll need.
Rake typically costs $10 to $20, while leaf blowers and leaf vacuums cost about $40 to $640. Rake is the cheapest option, but you’ll have to spend more time and effort if you choose this method.
Garbage bags cost $4 to $50 per pack, depending on the number of sheets.
Cost of Related Services
Lawn Dethatching
Lawn dethatching involves removing a layer of dead grass and accumulated debris known as “thatch” from your lawn. Thatch can help protect the lawn, but just like how the old saying goes, too much of anything isn’t good for anyone.
Hence, it’s important to regularly conduct lawn dethatching if you want your yard to be as healthy as possible. Prepare about $160 to $225 if your lawn already needs some dethatching.
Lawn Aeration
Lawn aeration is like giving your lawn some breathing space by placing small holes in it. Compacted soil, whether from people walking on it, lawnmowers, or just the passage of time, can be loosened with the help of these holes.
This is an essential part of lawn maintenance that you can avail of when you hire a professional landscaping company.
Aeration costs $145 on average, but it can go as high as $225 to as low as $75.
Tree Debris Removal
As the name implies, tree debris removal is the process of collecting and disposing of tree debris, such as branches, twigs, and bark that have fallen from trees. The cleanliness and security of the property depend on this.
It’s usually done alongside leaf removal for convenience. Some companies also usually offer this service in a package with leaf removal and other lawn care services.
The rates for tree debris removal vary depending on the size of the tree and the amount of debris on the property. You can expect to pay anywhere between $250 and $500 for this service.
Gutter Cleaning
Winds can brush away leaves from the trees and into the roof’s gutter. If they’re not removed, they can lead to clogging, water overflow, and other damage to the property.
That’s why it’s essential to regularly perform gutter cleaning. This will help remove debris, leaves, twigs, and dirt from the gutters and downspouts of a roof.
Gutter cleaning usually costs around $150 to $225, depending on how long the gutter is.
