How can I get rid of tree limbs, tree stumps, old mulch and other yard waste?
You can get rid of yard waste in several ways, depending on the type and volume of waste you have. If you don't have the time or equipment to haul waste yourself, you can contact a yard cleanup professional, many of whom will offer recurring lawn care or gardening services.
You can also ask your yard cleanup pro if they can remove tree limbs and other waste from your yard. If not, you may consider renting a yard waste dumpster — especially for large volumes of yard debris, branches and old mulch.
Note: For more specialized tasks, like stump removal, you might need to bring in a tree removal service.
What does a yard cleanup consist of?
A typical yard cleanup covers a range of front and backyard tasks, including:
Leaf cleanup and removal
Weed removal
Yard waste disposal (fallen branches, lawn clipping, etc.)
Pressure washing walkways, patios, decks, etc.
Lawn mowing and edging
Trimming and pruning
Yard cleanup schedules typically occur weekly or seasonally. Here are some services commonly performed in spring and fall:
Spring yard cleanup: Remove dead leaves and branches, stumps, lawn clippings and other debris and waste materials. Pros may also recommend trimming and pruning to shape shrubs and hedges — and you may want to consider clearing your pathways by raking, edging, weeding and power washing for a crisp, clean feel.
Fall yard cleanup: Cleaning your gutters and downspouts can prevent blockages. Trimming and removing hanging branches or dead plant material can help improve your curb appeal and prevent safety hazards. Gathering and removing dead leaves and branches from the lawn is standard in fall cleanup.
How much does yard cleanup cost?
Yard cleanup prices can vary depending on the type of work that’s included — from full-service yard cleaning to select services like leaf cleaning, mowing, pressure washing, debris removal, pruning and stump removal.
Here’s a look at the national average costs of common yard cleaning projects, according to Thumbtack data:
Leaf cleanup and removal: $131 to $374
Weed removal: $139 to $396
Pressure washing a patio: $235 to $480
Lawn mowing and edging: $55 to $149
Ask you yard cleaning pro which services they offer. Some services (like pressure washing areas in your yard) may require a pro who specializes in that task.
In addition to the type of service you require, the following factors can impact costs:
Yard size: Larger lawns often require more labor, which adds to the cost.
Time of the year: A spring, summer or fall cleanup often involves a greater variety of plant material and work. You may see prices increase if demand for yard cleanup services spikes as the seasons change.
Weather events: Prices for branch and yard waste removal may increase after a severe storm, especially if many people in your area are in need of services.
For a personalized cost estimate, request a quote from a professional.
What are the benefits of hiring a professional to clean my yard?
Some of the biggest benefits of professional yard cleanup include:
Speed and ease: In general, a professional yard cleanup can be completed in one day, so you can immediately enjoy your yard for parties, cookouts and other gatherings.
Debris removal: Many pros can remove leaves, branches and other debris, so you don't have to worry about disposing of a messy brush pile. When interviewing yard cleanup services near you, ask if they include this service.
Expertise: A pro can spot issues and offer advice on how to best maintain your yard.
Curb appeal: Professional yard cleanup gives your property an instant fresh, polished look, so you can have your home look its best without breaking a sweat.
Should I tip yard cleaning services?
Yard cleaning services do not require tipping, but it can be a nice gesture. Here are a few tipping considerations:
Frequency: If you consistently use the same service or maintenance team, you may consider a tip for repeated services, especially when the job matches or exceeds your expectations.
Size of the job: A job that spans multiple days or is highly involved may merit a tip, whereas a simpler, single-day job shouldn’t require one.
Time of year: If you get seasonal work done to maintain and clean your yard, a thank-you tip at the end of the year might be appropriate.
Ultimately, the choice to tip for a yard cleaning service comes down to your preference. You can also show your appreciation by leaving a glowing review for your pro.
Is it worth it to hire a professional to mow your lawn?
Although hiring a lawn care company is more expensive than doing it yourself, it can be well worth the money. For starters, it saves you time and equipment maintenance, which may be justifiable financially. It also creates a more professional appearance. Plus, a pro can spot problems before they occur. This can save you money on expensive reseeding, aeration and other types of lawn repair down the road.
Contact the best lawn mowing professionals near you to start getting free estimates.
How much does it cost to have your lawn mowed?
Regular lawn maintenance can do wonders for your home’s curb appeal. Professional lawn care prices will vary based on the regional cost to do business and regional cost of labor, the size of your lawn, and any additional services you may desire such as edging or mulching. The national average for lawn mowing costs is $30-$50. Pros may charge an hourly rate, a flat rate or by the square foot (an acre contains 43,560 square feet). Square footage rates factor in the professional’s time, the use of their equipment, and the gas to operate the mower. Distance may also affect cost: If you live outside the company’s standard service range, you may pay an additional travel fee. Here are some examples of average prices for mowing and lawn maintenance:
- Up to 8,000-square-foot property: $30 per week/$120 per month.
- Bimonthly: $40 per service/$80 per month.
- One time only: $45 per service.
- Prices include mowing all turf grass areas; trimming grass away from fences, structures, trees, and lawn edges; and clearing or blowing all grass trimmings from driveways, sidewalks, curbs, etc.
- Hourly rate: $25 per hour (including travel, equipment costs and labor).
- Lot size:
- Smaller lots in subdivisions: $35.
- Half-acre lot: $50.
- One-acre lot: $100.
How often should you cut your grass?
In general, weekly mowing is the golden rule. However, different lawns and conditions may require different mowing frequencies. For instance, if your grass is growing slowly due to dry conditions or a lack of sun, don’t cut it simply because a week has passed. And don’t cut more than a third of the length of the grass blade at any time. Also, ease up on mowing if the weather is going to be hot and dry, as the longer blades provide shade and can keep water from evaporating so quickly.
If you're unable to mow your lawn, consider hiring one of the best lawn care professionals near you.
What should I do to my lawn in the spring?
Spring is the perfect time to start thinking about lawn care. The ground is recovering from a long, cold winter, plants are starting to grow, and the earth is ready to receive new seeds. When the weather starts to warm, the first step in your lawn care strategy is deciding what you would like to achieve and what you need to do to make it happen. Your next step is to start cleaning up. Rake your lawn free of decomposing leaves, trim back shrubs and branches, and clear out all the weeds. Once your lawn is cleared of debris, tend to your irrigation system. Test your system and decide whether any repairs are necessary. Now it’s time to nourish the lawn. If you opt to aerate your lawn in spring, the national average cost is $70-$100. Consult with your lawn care pro, as some regions benefit from only aerating in fall. If you have bare spots, you can overseed the lawn to encourage new growth. Next you’ll want to fertilize the lawn to ensure it grows in rich and lush. Professional fertilization services may range from under $50 to over $200, depending on your lawn size. If you have a bad weed problem, you (or your lawn care pro) can apply pre-emergent herbicide to prevent a weed outbreak. Make sure the irrigation system is routinely watering your lawn, and then enjoy watching the grass grow.
How do you look after your lawn?
Having a beautiful lawn doesn’t just happen by magic. A multi-pronged approach to lawn care will result in a healthy lawn that will have your neighbors green with envy. The national average price for multi-service lawn care ranges from $40 to $50. Whether you tackle the project yourself or hire a lawn care professional, looking after your lawn requires consistent work. A baseline of lawn care is keeping your grass mowed and your irrigation system working properly. Fertilizing plants and grasses, as well as trimming and pruning foliage, may promote the health of your plants and lawn. Many lawn care pros offer different packages with varying monthly fees depending on your lawn size and the services you desire. Here are a few examples of average lawn care prices:
- 1,000- to 2,500-square-foot lawn: $60-$90 per month
- 5,000-square-foot lawn or larger: $110-$150 per month.
- Includes lawn maintenance, cleanups and irrigation repairs. The company trims shrubs, pulls weeds, blows out yard waste, fertilizes and does minor irrigation repairs.
- Up to 8,000-square-foot property: $30 per week/$120 per month.
- 8,001- to 15,000-square-foot property: $35 per week/$140 per month.
- 15,001- to 20,000-square-foot property: $40 per week/$160 per month.
- Includes mowing all turf grass areas; trimming grass away from fences, structures, trees, and lawn edges; and clearing or blowing all grass trimmings from driveways, sidewalks, curbs, etc.