Quick Answer
Okay, so here's the quick version. Your yard looks like a jungle exploded. Nine times out of ten, you can handle small stuff yourself by bagging it for the city, composting, or mulching—that'll cost you maybe $50 in bags and a sore back. But when you're looking at a mountain of branches after a storm or just seasons of neglect, you're better off calling a junk removal service. For a pro to haul it all away, you're probably looking at anywhere from $175 for a small pile to over $700 if it's a real disaster zone.
Common Symptoms
Possible Causes
Step-by-Step Diagnosis
Step 1
Assess the type of yard debris you have. Is it just light leaves and grass, or are there heavy branches and logs mixed in?
Step 2
Estimate the volume of the debris. Think in terms of how many pickup truck beds it would fill to get a realistic idea of the scale.
Step 3
Determine the accessibility of the pile. Is it easy to get to with a truck and equipment, or is it in a hard-to-reach part of the yard?
Step 4
Check for any non-organic waste mixed in, like old plastic pots, rocks, or construction debris, as this will affect your disposal options.
DIY vs Professional Costs
| Repair Type | DIY Cost | Professional Cost | Time Required |
|---|---|---|---|
Bagging/Bundling for City Pickup | $10-50 | N/A | 2-8 hours |
Hauling to the Dump Yourself | $20-100+ per trip | $150-500+ | 3-6 hours |
Renting a Wood Chipper (Big Branches) | $100-250 per day | $350-700+ | 6-10 hours |
When to Call a Professional Junk Removal
- When the volume of yard waste is simply too large and overwhelming for you to handle with your own car and equipment.
- When the debris includes heavy items like large branches, logs, or tree stumps that are unsafe to move without proper equipment.
- When you just don't have the time or physical ability to dedicate a full weekend to clearing your yard.
- After a major storm that has left a dangerous and tangled mess of heavy branches and debris.
Prevention Tips
- Perform routine yard maintenance weekly or bi-weekly to prevent debris from accumulating into a massive project.
- Use a mulching mower to shred leaves directly back into your lawn, which reduces waste and fertilizes the grass.
- Start a compost pile for grass clippings, weeds, and other suitable organic matter to reduce what you need to have hauled away.
- Stay on top of your local municipal collection schedule and put out the maximum allowed amount each week so it never builds up.
Frequently Asked Questions
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