Techniques for Clearing the Leaves

Raking and Lawn Sweepers

• The simplest method is raking leaves in your yard with a manual, wide leaf rake. While this is physically laborious for some, it’s also very good exercise. Rake the leaves onto a tarp as an easy way to move leaves out of the way. For those who can’t rake leaves manually, lawn sweepers are also available. One shown on The Organic Farmer website has no motor for quiet operation.

Leaf Blowers

• Use a leaf blower as another option when excessive physical activity isn’t an option. Leaf blowers are noisy, but help gather leaves out of places that are hard to reach. Some of these areas include dry creek beds or oblique corners in yards. Also, use the leaf blower if you have a large yard with a significant amount of leaves. Leaf blowers are additionally huge time savers if you have little time available. For collecting leaves with a leaf blower, use a tarp as done with a rake.

Cleaning Out Gutters

• Leaves left in gutters can make gutters overflow when it rains. Clean them out yourself to avoid the expense of having a company doing it for you. Find a ladder that isn’t wobbly and place it on a level surface by your gutters. Or, work from your roof if the roof has low pitch and you have non-slip shoes. Wear gloves and safety goggles to prevent injury from sharp edges or debris. Either scoop out the leaves by hand or spray a water hose in the gutters to get out all leaves and debris. Continue using the hose down any drainpipes if leaves create more clogs.

Disposal of the Leaves

• Bag your leaves and check for leaf disposal services in your town or city, recommends Michael Goatley Jr. of Virginia Cooperative Extension. Not all cities have this service available, but look in your local phone book. An alternative is mulching your leaves in your own yard. This is easily done with a mulching mower that chops leaves back onto your lawn. Many good mulching mower models are available and run from $150 to $329. Virginia Cooperative Extension notes that mulching is an effective method of leaf management that also prevents harm to lawns.