Hamilton yards collect a lot: maple and oak leaves on the Mountain and in Westdale, black walnuts in Dundas and Ancaster, and wind-blown debris along the escarpment. A good cleanup in spring and fall keeps the lawn healthy and the beds tidy. Here is what it costs, what it should include, and the City rules for getting rid of it all.
2026 yard cleanup prices in Hamilton
| Cleanup | Typical 2026 price | When |
|---|---|---|
| Spring cleanup | $280 - $650 | Mid April to early May |
| Fall cleanup with leaf removal | $320 - $850 | Late October to late November |
| Neglected or overgrown yard, one-time | Quoted on site | Any time the ground is not frozen |
The spread comes down to three things: how big the lot is, how many trees drop on it, and how many garden beds need attention. A small lower city lot with one street tree is at the bottom of the range. A large Ancaster or Mount Hope lot with mature oaks and long beds sits at the top. A yard that has been left for a season or two, with fallen branches, overgrown beds and leaves matted into the lawn, takes longer and is quoted after a look. Hauling is included, so nothing is left at your curb.
What each cleanup includes
| Task | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Rake or blow leaves from lawn and beds | Yes, winter leftovers | Yes, the main job |
| Pick up branches and storm debris | Yes | Yes |
| Cut back perennials and ornamental grasses | Yes, last year's stems | Only diseased or floppy ones |
| Weed and edge beds | Yes | Light tidy |
| Light lawn rake to lift matted grass | Yes | No |
| Last mow of the season | No | Yes, if booked |
| Haul everything away | Yes | Yes |
Mulch top-ups, aeration, overseeding and shrub pruning are separate jobs that can be added to the same visit. Our spring cleanup guide covers the right order if you do it yourself.
Hamilton's yard waste rules
If you leave the bags at the curb yourself, the City's yard waste rules are strict, and anything that breaks them is left behind:
- Brown paper yard waste bags or open-top rigid containers only. No plastic bags. A City yard waste sticker on a reusable container helps the crew spot it.
- Under 23 kg (50 lb) for each bag, bundle or container.
- Branches tied with twine in bundles no longer than 1.2 m (4 ft) and no more than 0.75 m (2.5 ft) across. Single branches thicker than about 7 cm (2.5 in) are not collected.
- Not in the green bin. Leaves, grass and yard waste go out separately on your collection day.
Timing matters in late fall. The last week of curbside yard waste collection in 2026 starts December 7, and pickup does not resume until the week of March 8, 2027. Leaves raked after that last pickup sit in bags all winter. A professional cleanup avoids the problem, because we take everything away the same day.
When to book in Hamilton
- Fall: late October to late November, once most leaves are down. Oaks hold their leaves longest, so oak-heavy yards on the Mountain and in Ancaster often need a second pass. Leaves left on the lawn over winter smother the grass and leave dead patches in spring.
- Spring: mid April to early May, once the lawn is firm enough to walk on without leaving footprints. Working on soggy ground compacts the soil, especially on clay.
- Black walnuts: Dundas and Ancaster have plenty. The husks stain driveways and the nuts are hard on mowers, so pick them up in September and October.
Leaves on the lawn vs. leaves in the beds
You do not have to remove every leaf. A thin layer of shredded leaves can be mowed into the lawn, and a few centimetres of leaves left in garden beds protects roots and gives overwintering insects somewhere to shelter. What has to go is a thick, wet mat on the lawn, which blocks light and invites snow mould. We mulch what can stay and haul the rest.
Overgrown and neglected yards
Rentals between tenants, estate properties and yards left for a season need more than a standard cleanup: tall grass, saplings in the beds, fallen limbs and years of leaves. Hamilton's yard maintenance rules require grass on urban lots to be kept at 21 cm or less, and the City can cut it and add the bill to the property taxes if an order is ignored. We quote these after a site visit. See our Hamilton lawn care page for regular mowing once it is back in shape.
Where we do cleanups in Hamilton
The Mountain, the lower city, Westdale, Ancaster, Dundas, Stoney Creek, Waterdown, Binbrook and Mount Hope. For hedges and shrubs on the same visit, see hedge trimming in Hamilton.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a yard cleanup cost in Hamilton?
About $280 to $650 for a spring cleanup and $320 to $850 for a fall cleanup with leaf removal, with hauling included.
When does Hamilton stop collecting yard waste?
The last curbside yard waste week in 2026 starts December 7. Collection resumes the week of March 8, 2027.
Can I put leaves in plastic bags in Hamilton?
No. Use brown paper yard waste bags or open-top rigid containers, each under 23 kg.
How should branches be bundled in Hamilton?
Tied with twine, no longer than 1.2 m and 0.75 m across, with no single branch thicker than about 7 cm.
Can yard waste go in the green bin?
No. Hamilton does not accept leaves or yard waste in the green bin.
When is the best time for a fall cleanup?
Late October to late November, once most leaves are down, and before the last yard waste pickup in early December.