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Yes, renting a dumpster is one of the most effective ways to remove yard waste. The average cost to rent a dumpster is $400 per week, but it usually costs less for yard waste removal because you should only need a small dumpster. A more cost-effective alternative is to use dumpster bags for yard removal, especially when clearing lighter debris like leaves, branches, grass clippings, and weeds.

No, it’s not necessary to remove all the leaves from your lawn—in fact, leaving some behind can be beneficial. While it's important to clear thick layers of leaves that can smother your grass, leaving a light scattering of leaves can help feed your soil while also providing safe winter habitat for pollinators like bumble bees. Leftover leaves will eventually break down, enriching the soil and promoting healthy lawn growth.

You can leave grass clippings on the lawn, depending on their length. You don’t want to completely cover new grass and block it from sunlight, or encourage moss crowd out the more delicate grass. However, short clippings are usually fine to leave on the lawn. In some cases, they can be beneficial: Clippings can be a source of fertilizer and help protect the ground as young grass blades develop.

In most cases, it’s better to remove rocks before adding mulch. Layering the two will restrict drainage and plant health, and can create an unpleasant texture underfoot.