Yard cleanup costs $125 to $400, depending on the season, your yard size, and the services you need. Fall is the most expensive season for yard cleanup because of the extra labor involved in cleaning fallen leaves.

Also, the larger your yard, the more the cleanup will cost. A ¼ acre lot costs $220 to $500, while a ½ acre lot costs $400 to $1,000 for an average cleanup that includes cleaning leaves, small branches, and lightweight debris. An overgrown yard can cost even more for the extra time and effort involved.

Spring cleanup starts in March or April, after the last winter frost when temperatures are at least 50° F to 60° F consistently. The warmer temperatures are needed to promote healthy soil.

Fall cleanup starts in October or November when the leaves and debris begin to pile up.

Yard cleanup includes a range of services to tidy up and maintain the outdoor areas around a home. The core components usually include leaf removal, where fallen leaves are raked, blown, and disposed of. Junk and debris removal is also common, clearing out any unwanted items, construction materials, branches, or other refuse.

Mowing the lawn is a standard part of yard cleanup, as is weeding flower beds and gardens. Mulching garden beds, trimming and pruning hedges, shrubs, and trees, and general garden and flower bed maintenance are other typical services provided.

Professional lawn care and landscaping companies are the primary providers of comprehensive yard cleanup services. While some homeowners prefer to do the work themselves, many rely on professionals with the expertise and equipment to efficiently tackle yard cleanup tasks.

Both spring and fall lawn cleanups are essential to keeping your lawn and garden healthy. Skipping either one can lead to bigger problems down the line. In the spring, the focus is on tidying up the lawn and garden after the winter months. This includes removing debris like leaves, sticks, and dead plant material. Spring is also a good time to overseed any bare or damaged patches in the lawn and begin cutting the grass when it starts actively growing.

In the fall, the main tasks are removing fallen leaves, trimming back plants, aerating the lawn, and applying fertilizer. Leaving some leaf litter can be beneficial, but excessive debris should be cleared to prevent damage to the lawn. Preparing the lawn and garden for winter by aerating, fertilizing, and cleaning up is crucial for their health and appearance the following spring. Skipping fall cleanup can lead to issues like pest infestations, lawn damage from excess debris, and more work required in the spring to get the yard back in shape.

Asking these key questions will help you identify the right professional lawn care provider to meet your needs and expectations:

• How long have you been providing yard maintenance services?
• What specific yard services do you specialize in?
• What types of equipment will your crew use to complete the work?
• Do you offer annual maintenance plans in addition to one-time cleanups?
• How experienced is your crew, and how many people will be working on-site?
• What lawn services do you provide that set you apart from other local companies?
• Does the quoted price include all debris disposal, labor, and equipment fees?
• Approximately how long will this particular job take to complete?
• Are there any additional services that would incur extra charges?
• What is the best way for me to contact the crew manager if needed?
• What is your procedure for rescheduling in the event of poor weather conditions?
• How much space will your crew require to work efficiently on-site?
• Will I need to be present during the yard cleanup, or can the crew work without my supervision?

Follow these suggestions to identify a trustworthy and reliable cleanup service in your area:

• Look for companies that provide upfront, personalized quotes based on the size of your yard and the specific services needed. Avoid companies that don't clearly outline their pricing structure and any potential add-on fees.
• Choose a company that can provide service in a timely manner, ideally within a few days if needed.
• Look for licensed and insured providers with positive customer reviews. Also, choose companies that use trained, experienced crews with a history of quality work.
• Determine if the company can handle the full scope of your yard cleanup needs, from leaf removal to debris hauling. Inquire about any additional services they provide, like lawn mowing, aeration, or seasonal cleanups.
• Ask about the products and methods they use, ensuring they are safe for your lawn and the environment.
• Choose a provider that stands behind their work with a satisfaction guarantee and is willing to address any issues or concerns.