Yard waste should be professionally removed at least once per season, particularly during major landscaping projects, fall leaf accumulation, or after severe weather. Regular removal promotes lawn health and maintains a neat exterior.

Always begin by removing large debris, leaves, and branches from your lawn to make room for the rest of your lawn maintenance checklist. Move on to mowing, weeding, and edging in the spaces between your lawn and garden. Lastly, clean off all hardscapes, porches, and patios for a fresh and tidy appearance.

If you have a lot of trees around your home, mulching all those leaves can smother the lawn. Air and light won't reach the grass and soil if too many leaves have been mulched. Turf grass and other lawn problems can arise if the weather is too wet and excessive leaves have been mulched.

To remove a shrub, start by cutting back the shrub using pruning shears, loppers, or a chainsaw. Next, dig around the base of the shrub with a pointed shovel to expose its root system. Then, use a shovel or a mattock to loosen the roots, making it easier to pull or lift the shrub from the ground. For larger shrubs or stubborn root systems, attaching a chain or strap to the base and using a vehicle to pull it out can be effective. Ensure proper disposal of the shrub and its debris following local waste disposal guidelines.