How to Price Leaf Removal: Expert Advice From Lawn Pros

How to Price Leaf Removal: Expert Advice From Lawn Pros

When it comes to leaf removal, there’s no one-size-fits-all price tag. Unlike mowing, edging, or hedge trimming, the work involved in clearing leaves changes dramatically based on the time of year, the amount of buildup, and the equipment you have. That’s why we went straight to the experts, seasoned lawn care pros across the country, to find out how they price leaf cleanups in their businesses.

Here’s what we found:

TLDR: What Pros Need to Know

• Set a minimum rate — don’t take small jobs that lose money.

• Hourly rates range from $75 to $150, with many pros setting a 2-hour minimum.

• Flat minimums of $250–$400 are common for one-time or late-season jobs.

• Always add disposal fees when hauling leaves.

• Pricing varies by region, with higher averages in New England and lower rates in the Midwest

Why Leaf Removal Is Different Than Mowing

A mowing job has a predictable routine. You know the square footage, the time it takes, and the wear on your equipment. Leaf removal is different because the amount of labor can swing wildly depending on the property and timing.

Volume, equipment, and timing all play a bigger role. One week, you may mulch light layers into the turf, the next, you’re dealing with knee-deep piles that have been sitting for weeks. That unpredictability is why leaf removal must be priced differently from mowing.

Common Pricing Strategies From the Pros

After reviewing dozens of responses from professionals, here are the most common approaches to setting fair but profitable rates.

1. Hourly Rates

Many pros keep it simple with an hourly rate, often with a minimum built in. This makes sense because leaf jobs are unpredictable and vary from yard to yard.

Most professionals reported charging between $75 and $150 per hour. Some even break it down further: $1.50–$2 per minute, per worker. To protect against short jobs, many also enforce a two-hour minimum, ensuring the job is worth the trip.

2. Flat Minimums

Other pros prefer to set a clear minimum for all cleanup jobs. This works especially well for one-time customers who may only call once or twice a season.

Typical minimums start at $150–$200 for smaller jobs, $250–$300 for mid-sized jobs, and $300–$500 for larger properties or higher-cost markets. Pros who bundle leaf cleanups into existing customer contracts often set a flat seasonal price.

3. Multiplier of the Mowing Rate

Some pros tie pricing directly to their mowing service to keep billing simple. It’s an easy way for customers to understand what they’re paying for.

Most report doubling their mowing rate for lighter mulching jobs and tripling it for heavy cleanups. This multiplier accounts for the additional labor, fuel, and disposal that mowing doesn’t require.

4. Disposal Fees

Hauling leaves away isn’t free — and many pros make sure to itemize this cost so they aren’t eating into their profit margin.

A $20 per load disposal fee is common. In some areas, pros pass local dump fees directly to the customer, while others bundle disposal into a “landscaping rate” that’s higher than mowing. The key is to ensure that customers know this isn’t included for free.

What Impacts the Final Price

The final price depends on more than just time spent. Several important variables affect the bottom line.

Customer type makes a big difference. Weekly mowing customers may get a break since their leaves are managed progressively, while one-off calls in December or January usually get charged more. Property size, access points, and obstacles like fences also add to job time. Equipment is another factor a pro with strong blowers and vacuums can charge more because they work faster and deliver better results.

Regional Pricing Differences

Leaf removal pricing changes depending on where you live, and knowing your local market is crucial.

In the Northeast (NH, MA, CT), heavy tree cover and higher dump fees push cleanup minimums into the $300–$600 range. In the Midwest (KS, MO, OH), competition is fierce, with many pros charging $100–$150 per hour but fighting low-ballers. In the South (GA, TX, FL), with fewer leaves overall, rates tend to land around $200–$300 for a cleanup. And in the Pacific Northwest, constant rain and heavy leaf fall can drive jobs above $400.

Expert Takeaways

No matter your market, pros agree on a few key rules. These principles will help keep your business profitable while giving customers fair service.

1. Set a minimum. Whether it’s one hour or $250 flat, don’t waste time on jobs that lose money.

2. Always add disposal fees. Customers should cover dump costs and hauling.

3. Charge more for late-season jobs. Leaves that sit for weeks become heavy, wet, and much harder to handle.

4. Invest in equipment. A strong blower or vacuum can double productivity and justify higher rates.

5. Know your market. Pricing in Boston won’t look anything like pricing in Wichita

Final Word

Leaf cleanups are some of the most labor-intensive jobs in lawn care. If you’re pricing them like a regular mow, you’re leaving money on the table and possibly burning out your crew. Take advice from the pros: build in a minimum, set clear hourly or per-job rates, and always charge for disposal.

At the end of the day, the right strategy depends on your market and your equipment. Start with a baseline hourly rate, track how long jobs actually take, and adjust over time. With experience, you’ll know exactly what to charge for every yard in your region whether you’re in Nashville, Boston, Dallas, or Seattle.

Want to understand how GreenPal lawn care pricing and billing works for homeowners? Check out our guide to lawn care pricing and billing.

If you need more leaf removal leads, apply to be a GreenPal vendor and find more local leaf removal jobs.