How much does leaf removal cost per hour in Portsmouth?

Professional leaf removal runs $15 to $45 per hour for blowing, $25 to $50 for raking, and $37 to $60 for vacuuming. Most companies price by the job, not the hour, after a walk-through.

When should I schedule leaf cleanup in southern Ohio?

Book the first pass in late October after the early drop, and a final cleanup in late November or early December after the last freeze. Waiting until spring means wet, matted leaves that are harder to remove and may have damaged the lawn.

Is leaf cleanup included in lawn mowing service?

Some lawn care providers bundle light leaf mulching into regular mowing visits during fall. Heavy leaf removal is usually a separate service. Ask your provider what is included in your contract.

How Much Does Leaf Cleanup Cost in Portsmouth, OH?

Fall in Scioto County means one thing for homeowners: leaves. Lots of them. Portsmouth yards under mature oak and maple can go from green to buried in a matter of weeks. If you are trying to budget for professional leaf removal, here is what actual pricing looks like in the Portsmouth area for 2026.

Leaf Cleanup Cost by Yard Size

Most lawn care companies in southern Ohio price leaf cleanup by the total scope of the job — yard size, tree density, and how the leaves are handled. Here are the typical ranges for Portsmouth:

Yard Size	Light Cover	Moderate Cover	Heavy Cover
1/8 acre	$50 – $75	$75 – $100	$100 – $150
1/4 acre	$75 – $125	$125 – $175	$175 – $250
1/2 acre	$150 – $250	$250 – $400	$400 – $500
1 acre	$350 – $500	$500 – $650	$650 – $800

The Ohio state average for leaf removal is about $360 per visit. Portsmouth sits close to that average, though rural properties with larger lots and heavier tree cover can push higher.

How Removal Method Affects Price

Not all leaf cleanups are the same. The method changes both the cost and the result:

Blowing and tarping: $15 to $45 per hour. Fastest for open lawns. Leaves are blown to a central pile, tarped, and hauled off.
Raking: $25 to $50 per hour. Slower but better for delicate beds and tight spaces around shrubs and fencing.
Vacuuming: $37 to $60 per hour. Best for large properties. The vacuum mulches leaves as it collects them, reducing bag count and disposal fees.
Mulch mowing: Often bundled with a regular mowing visit. Shreds light leaf cover into the lawn for free fertilizer. Not suitable for heavy drops.

Most providers charge a minimum fee of $80 to $100 to cover travel, setup, and equipment.

What Drives Cost Up or Down

Tree density: A quarter-acre lot with two trees is a quick job. The same lot with eight mature oaks is a full day.
Frequency: One-time cleanups cost more per visit than seasonal contracts. Bi-weekly fall contracts typically run $1,000 to $1,500 for the season.
Disposal: Some companies include hauling in the price. Others charge $5 to $10 per bag. Always ask.
Access: Fenced yards, steep grades, and backyard-only access add time and labor.
Add-ons: Gutter cleaning ($1 to $2 per linear foot), bed cleanup ($60 to $100), and lawn aeration ($75 to $200) are common bundled services.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Doing it yourself costs $25 for a rake, $150 for a leaf blower, and $25 for bags. The real cost is your time and your back. A typical Portsmouth homeowner spends 4 to 8 hours on a quarter-acre lot. Hiring a pro runs $160 to $290 for the same job, done in 90 minutes, with no bagging or hauling on your end.

For one-story homes with small yards, DIY makes sense. For anything over a third of an acre or with heavy tree cover, the math favors hiring out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get a Leaf Cleanup Quote in Portsmouth

Call Hoover Housing Solutions at (740) 357-9020 or request a quote online. We offer one-time fall cleanups and seasonal contracts throughout Scioto County.