Walk the route before the work starts
Open the gate, move toys and hoses, check low branches, and measure the narrowest point. Tell the estimator about stairs, slopes, soft ground, or a long carry from the pile to the vehicle.
Separate material by type
Keep loose leaves and soft clippings away from branches, plastic bags, soil, rocks, painted wood, and household trash. Clean separation makes volume easier to judge and avoids surprises at the destination facility.
Mark plants and items that stay
Use a clear marker or a quick photo to identify pots, edging, garden art, irrigation parts, and plants that should remain. Cleanup should not require guesswork around a planted bed.
Send useful estimate photos
Take one wide photo of the whole work area, one photo that shows pile depth, and one photo of the access route. Include the gate width when it looks tight.
Quick checklist
- Photograph the material and the loading route.
- Separate plant debris from trash, soil, rock, and treated wood.
- Measure tight gates and flag stairs or slopes.
- Confirm local curb and organics rules before staging in public space.