Fall Cleanup & Dethatching in Portland, Maine
Leaf removal, cutbacks, power raking, and bed cleanup · Free same-week estimates · Fully insured, since 2016.

- 4.8 · 86 Google reviews
- Fully insured
- Since 2016
- On-time guarantee
- Serving Greater Portland
What does fall cleanup include?
A Maine fall leaves more than color. Wet oak leaves mat on the lawn, beds disappear, and thatch holds moisture against the crown all winter. That is how spring snow mold and thin turf get started.
We clear leaves, cut back perennials, clean beds, and power-rake when thatch is thick. Debris leaves with us. You get a yard that can dry out and a lawn that can take winter without a blanket of rot.
Crews work a scheduled week, the same way they do on weekly maintenance. No ghosting after the first frost. If a late dump of oak leaves needs a second pass, we say so up front.
- Leaf and debris removal from lawn and beds
- Perennial cutbacks and garden winterization
- Dethatching / power raking when the lawn needs it
- Edging, final mow, and bed cleanout
- Haul-away or on-site compost, your call
Thin, compacted turf is a different job. Book aeration and overseeding for that. Unsure which comes first? Read dethatching vs aerating for Maine lawns.
When should you book fall yard cleanup?
Get on the schedule now. We time the visit to your trees, not the calendar on a coupon. Maple-heavy yards finish earlier. Oak lots wait.
Dethatching is safest when the lawn is still growing and the soil is not a swamp. If we show up after a week of rain, we wait a day rather than tear wet turf.
Portland, South Portland, Cape Elizabeth, Falmouth, Scarborough, and the rest of our service area are on the same fall list. See the full lawn care hub for mowing and seasonal programs.
What does fall cleanup and dethatching cost in Maine?
$225–$1,100typical
Typical per-visit range for a residential fall cleanup in Greater Portland. Leaf load, lot size, and whether we power-rake thatch move the price. Every job is estimated on site at no charge.
| Job | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Small town lot | $225–$400 |
| Typical suburban yard | $350–$650 |
| Large or leaf-heavy property | $600–$1,100 |
Every job starts with a free, no-obligation estimate. You get the exact price for your property before we book.
( Why Us )
Why Greater Portland books fall cleanup with Garden Guys
Fully insured crew
Every Garden Guys crew is fully insured, so the work on your property is covered from the first pass to the final walk-through.
On-time guarantee
You get a scheduled week, a crew that shows up in it, and regular updates from Jack and the team while the job is under way.
Locally owned since 2016
Founded by Jack Vose in Cape Elizabeth in 2016, still locally owned and operated, and serving Greater Portland ever since.
Fall cleanup reviews from our neighbors
Meghan Doherty
November 2025 · Google
Jackson and his crew did a great fall cleanup for us!
Justin Alper
November 2025 · Google
We use garden guys for our seasonal cleanups. Very impressed with their service! Their attention to detail is great. I thought for sure our fall cleanup this year would take hours and the crew was in and out in less than 1 hour. The yard is looking wonderful!
Anne Coates
November 2025 · Google
We are so pleased with the fall clean up job by Garden Guys Landscaping. Led by Liam, the team was professional, efficient and returned to complete one final component of the job in a timely fashion. They are always so kind to our children too who love to jump in the enormous pile of leaves that they collect!
( FAQ )
Fall cleanup and dethatching questions
What does a fall cleanup include?
Leaf removal, bed cleanup, perennial cutbacks, and a final mow or edge. We can add dethatching (power raking), gutter-adjacent bed cleanout, and haul-away. You pick the list; we do not pad the ticket after we start.
When should I book fall cleanup in Portland?
Most properties want a visit after the main leaf drop, usually late October into November. Oak-heavy yards sometimes need a second pass. Book early so you keep a week on the calendar; we will time the visit to the trees.
Do you dethatch during cleanup?
Yes, when the lawn needs it. Power raking lifts the thatch mat so water and seed can reach soil. If the lawn is also compacted, pair cleanup with aeration and overseeding. We will say which job matters more after we see the turf.
How much does fall cleanup cost in Southern Maine?
Typical visits run $225 to $1,100 depending on size and leaves. The numbers on this page are typical ranges, not a quote. The estimate is free and written before we schedule.
Do you haul leaves away?
Yes. We remove leaves and debris from the property unless you want a compost pile left on site. Tell us on the estimate if you have a spot for chips or leaf mold.
Should I aerate and overseed on the same visit?
Often yes, if thatch is down and there is still growing weather. Cleanup first, then cores and seed. Read our guide on dethatching vs aerating, or start with the aeration page if the lawn is thin more than messy.
Get on the fall schedule
Five fields. We call back within a day with a free estimate and a week that still has room.
Need it this week? Call (207) 809-9110
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Proudly Serving Southern Maine
Get on the fall schedule
Leaf season fills the calendar. Request a free estimate or call (207) 809-9110.