What’s the Best Way to Pick Up Leaves?
The right strategy can make this seasonal task quick, easy, and possibly even fun
While few seasonal spectacles compare to autumn’s fiery displays of orange, red, and yellow foliage, the cleanup afterward can be a hassle. So, what’s the best way to pick up leaves? Whether you’re dealing with a carpet of leaves or tackling scattered patches, here are some insights on effective leaf cleanup strategies that will leave your yard looking pristine.
Why is Leaf Cleanup Important?
As the seasons transition and leaves start their descent, ensuring a clear yard isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a crucial step in maintaining the health of your lawn. A thick, matted layer of fallen leaves can smother grass underneath, causing excess moisture retention, mold growth, and an overall decline in grass health. By learning the best way to pick up leaves, you can keep your lawn looking manicured and promote the health of your grass for years to come.
Aside from your lawn, leaf buildup in your gutters can also cause serious issues. There are numerous ways that clogged gutters can damage your home, as the blockages can lead to ice dams and flooding, as well as become a potential breeding ground for mold and pests.
Prepping for Leaf Removal
Before you begin removing leaves from your yard, clear away obstacles such as rocks, toys, tools, furniture, and doggie business. If you’ll be bagging up your leaves, be sure you have a sufficient amount of yard waste bags. Buy more than you think you’ll need—you’ll be surprised by how quickly they fill up.
Also, it’s important to have the right gear. Wear protective gloves, and consider wearing a bandanna or protective mask to shield you from inhaling mold spores or leaf particles. Lastly, wear long sleeves and pants to prevent scratches and other injuries along the way.
Ways to Pick Up Leaves
Whether you opt for traditional raking, the efficiency of a leaf blower, or the dual benefits of mulching with your mower, these methods ensure your yard remains pristine and healthy.
Raking Leaves
Raking is a tried-and-true method for leaf removal with a bonus workout. Here’s the best way to rake leaves:
Using a leaf rake or a shrub rake, start making mini leaf piles throughout the yard.
Scoop up leaves with your (gloved) hands, a leaf scoop, or a shovel.
Add leaves to your compost pile or bag them in designated yard waste bags.
Using a Leaf Blower
Leaf blowers provide a quick and less labor-intensive option for collecting leaves. Here’s how to effectively use a leaf blower to pick up leaves:
Wait for a day that’s not too windy. And keep in mind that wet leaves are more difficult to blow than dry ones.
Point the end of the leaf blower toward the ground at a slight angle and blow leaves in small piles throughout the yard.
Bag the leaves in yard waste bags or compost them.
Mulching Leaves With Your Mower
If you’re wondering how to mulch leaves with your lawn mower, first it’s necessary to ensure you have the right type of mower. Any rotary-action lawn mower will do, and some also have designated mulching modes or an attachment that can shred leaves into smaller pieces. Here’s what to do:
Detach your mower’s grass catcher if you’ll be mulching the leaves; otherwise, leave it attached and empty it regularly as needed.
If you plan on mulching the leaves, use a rake to distribute them in a thin layer no more than one-inch-thick (remove some leaves with the grass catcher if you have an excessive amount).
Mow over the leaves until they’re about the size of a dime.
Keep the leaf mulch on your lawn, or scoop it up and use it to enrich your garden plants.
Tips for Effective Leaf Removal
Wear gloves to keep your hands clean and protected while picking up leaves.
Avoid doing this work on a windy day.
Begin leaf removal before the accumulation becomes overwhelming to prevent moisture retention and damage to your lawn.
Start at the outer edges of your yard and work your way toward the center for efficient leaf collection.
Use leaf scoops or a shovel to quickly scoop and bag leaves.
Try to remove leaves when they are dry, as wet leaves can be heavier and more challenging to handle.
Lay down a tarp to collect leaves and easily transport them to your designated disposal area.
Perform leaf cleanup regularly throughout the fall season to prevent excessive buildup.
Consider composting leaves to enrich your garden soil, or dispose of them in designated yard waste bags.
DIY Leaf Removal vs. Hiring a Pro
While DIY methods of leaf removal are effective, they can also be quite labor-intensive and time-consuming. Whether you’re overwhelmed with a larger property or excessive leaf buildup, or just short on time and/or willpower, consider investing in the cost of professional leaf removal. Evaluating the scope of your project and your available time, as well as your budget, can help determine whether a DIY approach or professional assistance is the best choice. Get in touch with a local leaf removal service to learn more about your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Choosing between mulching and picking up leaves depends on your yard's needs. Mulching leaves with a mower benefits your lawn by creating natural, nutrient-rich mulch that breaks down easily and improves soil health. It's particularly effective when leaves are shredded into small pieces. However, if the leaf accumulation is excessive, it can smother your grass; in this case, it's highly advisable to pick up and remove the leaves.
Using a leaf blower is often the easiest way to pick up leaves. It quickly and efficiently gathers leaves into manageable piles, requiring less physical effort than manual raking. Additionally, you can choose to bag the collected leaves or use a mulching mower to break them down into natural mulch, simplifying the cleanup process further.