Estimated Bags
15
Volume
60 cu ft
Time
9 hrs
DIY Cost
$11
Bags Needed (30 gal)
15
60 cu ft of leaves
Time Estimate
9 hrs
using rake
DIY Cost
$11
lawn bags
Typical rate: $0.03/sq ft
DIY takes ~9 hours of your time
60
cu ft
$36
if composted
Inputs
Result
Volume = 4 trees × 15 cu ft = 60 cu ft. Bags = ceil(60/4) = 15 bags. Time = 60 × 0.15 = 9 hours. DIY cost = 15 bags × $0.75 = $11.25. Service = 5,000 × $0.03 = $150.
Inputs
Result
Volume = 6 × 30 = 180 cu ft. Bags = ceil(180/4) = 45. Time = 180 × 0.05 = 9 hrs. Municipal pickup fee = $15. Professional service = 10,000 × $0.03 = $300.
Inputs
Result
Volume = 3 × 5 = 15 cu ft. Bags = ceil(15/4) = 4 (but mulch mowing avoids bagging). Time = 15 × 0.03 = 0.45 hrs. Compost value = (15/5) × $3 = $9.
A small tree (under 20 ft tall) produces about 5 cubic feet of leaves per season, which fills roughly 1–2 lawn bags. A medium tree (20–40 ft) produces 15 cubic feet (4 bags), and a large tree (over 40 ft) drops about 30 cubic feet of leaves (8 bags). Each standard 30-gallon lawn bag holds about 4 cubic feet of loose leaves.
| Tree Size | Height | Leaf Volume | Bags Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | Under 20 ft | 5 cu ft | 1–2 |
| Medium | 20–40 ft | 15 cu ft | 4 |
| Large | Over 40 ft | 30 cu ft | 8 |
A leaf blower is 3x faster than raking and requires less physical effort, but costs more (gas, noise, emissions). Mulch mowing is the fastest and most environmentally beneficial option because shredded leaves decompose into the lawn as natural fertilizer, eliminating disposal entirely.
| Method | Speed | Effort | Eco Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rake | Slow | High | None |
| Leaf Blower | Fast | Low | Noise/Emissions |
| Mulch Mow | Fastest | Low | Best (nutrients) |
| Lawn Vacuum | Medium | Medium | Low |
Professional leaf removal services charge $0.02–$0.04 per square foot, averaging $0.03/sq ft. For a typical 5,000 sq ft yard, expect $100–$200. For larger properties (10,000+ sq ft), rates drop slightly but total cost rises. Most services include removal and disposal.
Leaves are an excellent carbon source for compost, making up the "brown" material that balances nitrogen-rich "green" materials like food scraps and grass clippings. Shredded leaves decompose in 6–12 months, producing rich leaf mold worth $3+ per cubic foot as garden soil amendment.
Read our guide
Read our guide
Read our guide
Get the right C:N ratio for composting leaves
Overseed after leaf removal for a thick lawn
Feed your lawn after fall cleanup
Plan mowing frequency and fuel costs
Discover tools for composting, lawn care, planting, and garden planning.
Last Updated: Mar 9, 2026
This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.