Fall yard cleanup in Montreal: a practical planning checklist
A useful fall cleanup starts with deciding what you want done. The front lawn, a narrow side passage and a planted backyard can need different work. Before asking for an estimate, walk around the property and divide the job into three parts: surfaces to clear, planting areas to assess, and material to handle afterward.
This checklist helps you describe those parts without guessing at a price or assuming every task is included.
1. Mark the areas that matter
Write down the lawn, paths, steps, patio and garden beds you want included. Identify anything that should stay untouched, such as a planted corner or a bed you manage yourself. Take one wide photo and one closer photo of the busiest area.
If you are comparing contractors, give each the same list. A lawn-only quote and a lawn-plus-beds quote are different jobs, even if both are called “fall cleanup.”
2. Decide whether you want one visit or staged work
Look at how many leaves have fallen and how much remains on nearby trees. Then describe your preference: one cleanup after most leaves have fallen, or an earlier visit with a possible follow-up. Ask whether the proposed estimate covers one visit or several. A preferred date is a request; it does not confirm a booking.
3. Explain what should happen to the material
Ask for an estimate that distinguishes gathering leaves, bagging or consolidating them, and removing material from the property. These should be explicit rather than assumed.
For municipal pickup, use Montréal’s current collection information and collection-schedule service. Check the rules for your borough and building before choosing containers or arranging work around a pickup date. Properties in independent West Island municipalities must use their own municipal guidance.
4. Include access details
Mention the gate width, stairs, locked entrances and where material could be gathered. Explain whether the contractor needs you present. For shared properties, identify who can approve the scope and provide access.
A request you can copy
Fill-in template“I need fall cleanup of the lawn, paths and two garden beds. My postal code is ____. Access is through ____. I prefer one visit / would like to discuss repeat visits. Please specify the work included and how the leaves and green waste will be handled.”