You see a pile of branches, brush, or storm debris in the yard and feel the urge to handle it yourself. The question is whether you should rent a trailer to haul it or call in a professional team. Let’s look at the real numbers and logistical hurdles involved in this decision.
The DIY Route: True Costs
Most homeowners calculate the rental fee and gas money but overlook the secondary expenses that drive up the final bill. We have seen dozens of clients start a DIY project on Saturday morning only to call us by Sunday afternoon.
Obvious Financial Outlays
You will face immediate hard costs before moving a single branch.
Vehicle and Equipment Rentals:
- Home Depot “Load ‘N Go” Truck: Approximately $19.00 for the first 75 minutes.
- Mileage Fees: These trucks often charge an additional $50+ if you keep them for a full day or exceed mileage limits.
- Trailer Rental: U-Haul open utility trailers typically range from $29.95 to $44.95 per day.
Disposal and Landfill Fees:
- Tipping Fees: The national average tipping fee hovered around $55 per ton in 2024.
- Chatham County Landfill: Local rates often fall between $45 and $65 per ton.
- Minimum Charges: Most facilities enforce a minimum fee of $20 to $30 regardless of load weight.
Hidden Costs and Risks
We often remind customers that the receipt from the dump is only half the story. The physical and mechanical toll adds up quickly.
Vehicle Wear and Tear:
- Interior Damage: Mud, sap, and scratches on truck beds or upholstery can cost $150+ for professional detailing.
- Suspension Strain: Passenger trucks are not designed for hauling wet, dense organic matter.
- Clean Up: You will spend roughly 30 minutes sweeping out the rental vehicle to avoid cleaning penalties.
The Physical Reality:
- Injury Risk: The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports over 200,000 emergency room visits annually related to lawn and garden equipment.
- Manual Labor: Loading heavy logs and awkward branches creates significant strain on the lower back.
- Time Loss: A single trip to the dump frequently takes 60 to 90 minutes when accounting for travel and weigh-station lines.
Real DIY Cost Example
Let’s look at a realistic budget for a moderate cleanup job requiring a weekend rental.
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trailer Rental (1 Day) | $45.00 | Includes tax and insurance |
| Dump Fee (0.5 ton) | $45.00 | Based on local minimums |
| Fuel (Your Vehicle) | $25.00 | 2-3 round trips |
| Supplies | $15.00 | Gloves, heavy-duty bags, tarp |
| Subtotal Cash Cost | $130.00 | Hard money spent |
| Your Labor | $150.00 | 6 hours @ $25/hr value |
| True Total | $280.00 | Includes time value |
This calculation assumes you own a vehicle capable of towing and that nothing goes wrong during the process.
When DIY Makes Sense
There are specific scenarios where handling the waste yourself is the logical choice.
You Have Minimal Debris
If your pile fits into five to ten biodegradable paper bags, a professional hauler is likely overkill. We recommend self-hauling for minor seasonal trimmings that fit easily in a standard SUV or sedan trunk.
You Own the Infrastructure
Homeowners who already own a pickup truck and a utility trailer have a massive advantage. You avoid the logistical headache of rental paperwork and pickup times.
You Need the Exercise
Some people find physical labor therapeutic and a good workout. If you view the heavy lifting as a gym substitute rather than a chore, the manual effort is a benefit rather than a cost.
Budget Is the Only Priority
If you have zero budget flexibility but plenty of free time, DIY is the way to go. You trade your Saturday hours to save the labor cost of a service crew.
When Professional Service Makes Sense
Hiring a team becomes the smart financial and logistical move in several common situations.
High Volume or Heavy Weight
Storm debris and tree removals generate deceptive amounts of waste. A single large oak tree can fill a 15-yard dumpster, which would require six to eight trips in a standard pickup truck.
Regulatory Complexity
Certain items cannot be thrown in a standard landfill pile.
- Invasive Species: Plants like Kudzu or English Ivy often require specific disposal methods to prevent spreading.
- Mixed Materials: Debris containing treated lumber, concrete, or metal fencing usually incurs higher “mixed waste” fees at the dump.
Physical Limitations
Back injuries are the most common reason clients call us. If you have a history of lumbar issues or limited mobility, the risk of aggravating an injury far outweighs the cost of service.
Urgent Timelines
HOA compliance letters usually come with a short deadline. Our teams can clear a violation notice in hours, whereas finding a free weekend to do it yourself might push you past the due date.
Professional Cost Breakdown
Pricing varies based on volume, but here is what you can generally expect in the Savannah market.
| Load Size | Typical Price | Capacity Context |
|---|---|---|
| Pickup Truck Load | $99 - $149 | ~2-3 cubic yards |
| Trailer Load | $249 - $349 | ~10-12 cubic yards |
| Multi-Load / Heavy | $399+ | Full property clear-outs |
The Service Value Proposition:
- Labor Included: You do not lift a finger; the crew handles all loading.
- All Fees Covered: Disposal and environmental fees are wrapped into the price.
- Speed: A job that takes a homeowner all weekend is typically finished in 45 minutes.
- Safety: You avoid the risk of cuts, scratches, and strains.
The Time Value Calculation
It helps to view this decision through the lens of your personal hourly rate.
Scenario A: Your Time is Worth $25/Hour
- DIY Cost: $130 cash + $150 labor (6 hours) = $280 Total Value
- Pro Cost: $249 flat fee
- Result: You save $31 in value and keep your entire Saturday free.
Scenario B: Your Time is Worth $50/Hour
- DIY Cost: $130 cash + $300 labor (6 hours) = $430 Total Value
- Pro Cost: $249 flat fee
- Result: You save $181 in value.
The math heavily favors professional removal as soon as the job exceeds a single pickup truck load.
What About City Pickup?
Savannah offers municipal brush collection, but it comes with strict parameters.
The Advantages
It is technically free since you pay for it through your property taxes. This is an excellent option for small, neat piles of leaves or grass clippings.
The Limitations
Significant restrictions often make this impractical for larger projects.
- Frequency: Pickup may only occur once a month depending on your zone.
- Placement Rules: Piles must be curb-side, meaning you still have to haul debris from the backyard to the street.
- Volume Limits: The city may skip piles that exceed specific dimensions (often 4x4x4 feet).
- Visibility: Your debris will kill the grass underneath it while it sits on the curb for weeks.
The Honest Verdict
We believe in choosing the right tool for the job.
Choose DIY If:
- The debris fits in your personal vehicle.
- You are clearing light items like leaves or twigs.
- You enjoy the physical workout.
Choose Professional Service If:
- The pile is larger than a sofa.
- The material is heavy, wet, or thorny.
- You value your weekend time.
- You lack a truck or trailer.
Our Yard Waste Service
We designed our yard waste removal service at Coastal Junk Pros to eliminate the friction of yard cleanup.
- Zero Prep Work: You leave the debris exactly where it is.
- Simple Pricing: Our quotes include labor, transport, and disposal fees with no surprises.
- Rapid Response: Most appointments happen within 24 to 48 hours.
- Responsible Disposal: We divert recyclable organic matter to composting facilities whenever possible.
Our team handles everything from single-item pickups to post-hurricane property clearing.
Need a quote? Call (912) 555-0247 or get a free estimate.
