Seasonal

Leaf Removal

8 weeks. Every yard in America needs it. Most lawn companies hate doing it.

Monthly Revenue
$6K–$18K
realistic range
Startup Cost
$3K–$8K
to get started
Hourly Rate
$100–$175
per hour billed
Complexity
2/4
skill required

The Business

Leaf removal is a concentrated 6-8 week season (late October through early December in most US markets). Average job is $150-500 for a residential property. Bundle with gutter cleaning (leaves fill gutters simultaneously) to double revenue per visit. Commercial properties pay $500-2,000 per service.

How to Start

Rent a dump trailer for your first season (~$300/month). Buy a commercial backpack blower ($600-800). Market to existing lawn care customers — they need leaf removal even if they maintain their own grass during summer. Nextdoor dominates for neighborhood leaf removal services.

REAL EXAMPLE

A part-time lawn mower expanded into leaf removal and made $14K in 7 weeks without hiring anyone, working 6 days/week.

Equipment Needed

  • Leaf blower (backpack)
  • Lawn vacuum or lawn mower with bagger
  • Tarps
  • Dump trailer
  • Rakes

Licensing

Business license only

Monthly Search Volume

1,600
people/month search for this business
READY TO START?

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Revenue Calculator

15
$180
35 hrs
$3,000
Weekly Revenue
$2.7K
Monthly Revenue
$11.6K
Annual Revenue
$139.3K
Monthly Profit
$11.3K
Break-Even
1 month
Hourly Rate
$77
Monthly costs: $300/mo (insurance, fuel, supplies)
CHRIS'S TAKE

Leaf removal is a seasonal sprint. You have 6–8 weeks in October and November to cram in as many jobs as possible. The money is good, the skill ceiling is low, and you can start with a blower and a tarp.

PRO TIP

Offer a season-end package — one big haul in late November after the last leaves fall. Customers pay more for the 'final clear' that saves them from looking at leaves all winter.

READY TO MAKE IT OFFICIAL?

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ACQUISITION ROUTE

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TOOLS TO RUN THIS BUSINESS

Tools we'd use if we were starting this business today. Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission.

ZenBusinessFROM $0

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JobberFREE TRIAL

Run your seasonal service business from your phone. Scheduling, quoting, and payments sorted.

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FreshBooks30 DAYS FREE

Invoice customers and track seasonal cashflow. Know what you made each month.

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Wix

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