People often ask us, “DIY vs. professional fall/leaf cleanup—what’s better?” Sure, DIY might save some cash, but it’s exhausting and eats up your time.

A professional service, on the other hand, spares you the backache and gives you more free time, but it comes at a price.

So, which one’s right for you? We’ll break down the pros and cons to help you decide.

DIY Fall Cleanup: What It Involves

Taking on a fall cleanup yourself can seem simple, but there’s more to it than just raking leaves. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

• Raking Leaves: The most obvious task. It sounds easy, but it can take hours depending on your yard size.
• Bagging and Disposal: Once you’ve raked the leaves, you’ll need to bag them up. This step is often overlooked and can add a lot of time.
• Removing Branches and Debris: Throughout the fall, your yard collects sticks, twigs, and other debris. You’ll need to gather these too.
• Cutting Back Perennials: If you have garden beds, you’ll need to trim down perennials to prepare them for winter.
• Final Mowing: Before the snow hits, a final mow helps your lawn breathe through the winter.

Pros and Cons of DIY Fall Cleanup

Before you grab the rake, let’s weigh the pros and cons.

Pros:

• Cost Savings: The main benefit is saving money. You don’t have to pay anyone, just invest your time.
• Exercise: It’s a good workout. You’ll burn calories while cleaning up your yard.
• Control: You control the schedule and pace. Tackle the work on your own time.

Cons:

• Time-Consuming: It can take a full day or more depending on your yard size.
• Physical Strain: Raking, bagging, and lifting can be hard on your back and muscles.
• Lack of Equipment: You may not have the tools for bigger tasks like cutting branches or hauling debris.

Professional Fall Cleanup: What You Get

Hiring professionals for fall cleanup means you get a thorough job without lifting a finger. Here’s what they typically do:

• Comprehensive Leaf Removal: Pros will remove every leaf from your yard, not just rake them into piles.
• Debris and Branch Removal: They’ll pick up all sticks, branches, and other yard debris.
• Garden Bed Cleanup: They cut back perennials and prepare garden beds for winter.
• Final Lawn Mowing: A pro team will do the last mow of the season for you.
• Proper Disposal: Leaves and debris are hauled away, often to composting sites.

Pros and Cons of Professional Fall Cleanup

Considering a pro? Here’s what to think about.

Pros:

• Saves Time: You get your weekend back. No need to spend hours in the yard.
• Expertise: Professionals know how to clean up efficiently and prepare your lawn for winter.
• Less Physical Work: No need to worry about sore muscles or injuries.
• Proper Tools: They bring the right tools, like blowers and trucks for debris removal.

Cons:

• Cost: The main downside is the cost. You’ll pay more for a professional service.
• Scheduling: You might need to book in advance, especially in peak season.

Which Is Better for You? DIY vs. Professional Fall/Leaf Cleanup

So, which is better: DIY or professional fall cleanup? Here are a few questions to help you decide:

What’s your budget? If saving money is your priority, DIY might be the way to go.

Do you have the time and energy? If you’re busy or want to avoid the physical strain, hiring a pro might be worth it.

How big is your yard? Larger yards with lots of trees can be overwhelming to handle alone.

Here are 5 reasons, you should hire professional fall cleanup services.

If you’re tired of spending hours raking leaves or simply don’t have the time, 855RILAWNS is here to make your fall cleanup easy and stress-free. Our team handles everything from leaf removal to garden bed prep, so you can enjoy a clean yard without the hassle.

Contact us today to schedule your fall cleanup! Connect with us on Facebook.