Yard work professionals near you

Yard work typically refers to a variety of lawn care, gardening and outdoor cleanup tasks. In most cases, yard work services cover:

• Lawn mowing: Regular mowing keeps the grass at an optimal height, promoting healthy growth and a neat appearance.

• Trimming and edging: Trimming around fences, sidewalks and garden beds ensures a clean, polished look.

• Leaf and debris removal: Clearing fallen leaves, branches and other debris helps prevent pests and lawn damage.

• Weed control and mulching: Removing weeds and adding mulch around plants helps maintain soil moisture and curb weed growth.

• Shrub and tree maintenance: Pruning overgrown bushes and trimming small trees keeps plants healthy and enhances curb appeal.

• Seasonal services: Depending on the time of year, these might include aeration, fertilization, snow removal and gutter cleaning.

Yard work services are typically either preset packages or customized based on your needs. Contact a pro to discuss your options.

Landscaping and yard work are generally two different types of services, but there's often some overlap. Landscapers typically offer the following services:

• Landscape design and construction: May include designing annual and perennial beds and planning trees or shrubs to make a property more attractive. Landscapers will usually create the design, construct the necessary beds and handle planting.

• Hardscape design and build: Landscapers may design and build "hardscape" features, which include patios, walkways, retaining walls, gazebos and other structures.

• Irrigation systems: Landscapers can plan custom watering systems and install them in your yard.

• Yard upkeep: Some landscaping companies may offer full-service lawn care tasks (weeding, mowing, etc.), shrub trimming, leaf cleanup, and more. It depends on the company so be sure to ask.

In contrast, yard work pros usually offer a range of basic yard upkeep services to maintain your lawn, which may include lawn mowing, hedge trimming, weeding, fertilization, leaf removal, and more. Some may also offer to remove debris and dead branches from your yard.

Remember: Always ask your pro to provide a full list of services (with prices) before you hire them.

Yard service prices can vary greatly depending on the type of work you need. According to Thumbtack data, here are the national average cost estimates of common lawn care, gardening and landscaping tasks:

• Lawn mowing: $55 to $149

• Leaf cleanup: $100 to $370

• Insect control: $165 to $469

• Gardening: $35 to $100 per hour

Beyond type of work, there are several factors that might impact the cost of hiring a pro for yard work, including:

• Yard size: Larger yards normally cost more than smaller ones.

• Type of service: Typical service may include mowing, edging, blowing and cleanup. If you require additional services, like tree trimming, you may pay more.

• Frequency of service: One-time services may have a higher per-visit cost than ongoing maintenance plans.

• Location: If your home is in a remote or hard-to-reach area, yard work companies may charge more for service.

You might be able to save money on yard work with these tips:

• Get multiple estimates: Don't limit yourself to asking only one company for an estimate. Get several quotes.

• Match the company size to your job: Larger companies tend to prefer larger jobs. Look for pros that serve homes similar to yours.

• Limit the scope of work: Do some of the yard work yourself, saving only the most difficult jobs for the pros.

For a personalized estimate, request a quote from a professional.

Some people refer to professionals who handle yard work as landscapers, but landscapers typically handle landscape design and construction. When searching for yard care services near you, it may be better to look for groundskeepers or lawn care professionals — though, keep in mind, many landscapers may also offer groundskeeping services.

Here’s how to choose the right pro for your project:

• Verify their license and insurance: In some jurisdictions, groundskeepers may need a license to operate equipment. They should also carry liability insurance to ensure coverage against accidents or damage. Requirements vary by area so be sure to do your research.

• Get several estimates: Estimates should include a detailed list of yard work tasks that the professional will perform, the number of hours anticipated per task, the amount they charge per hour and a schedule for how often they'll complete repeat tasks like mowing or weeding.

• Read their reviews: Look for reviewers who have been using the service for several years. Many happy long-term customers are a good sign. Customers reporting declining lawn health, mowers who don't show up often enough or other issues are a cause for concern.

• Look at their portfolios: A pro’s portfolio should be full of images of healthy lawns and landscapes, all nicely trimmed, green and weed-free.

• Find out if they have warranties: If your pro will be doing any treatments — such as weed treatments, grass reseeding, fertilization or pest removal — make sure they offer a warranty or guarantee if the first treatment round doesn't work as planned.

• Ask important questions: To gauge their level of expertise, try asking what kind of grass you have and how they would care for it. 

For more tips, visit Thumbtack’s Smart Hiring page.