You shouldn’t bother raking your yard if the leaves are covering less than 10% of the ground. Leaves provide nutrients to your lawn and garden as they decompose. In fact, the likelihood of weed germination is decreased by certain tree leaves, such as those of the maple and oak trees. The leaves should be mulched with the mower and then scattered over the lawn. But there are times when it’s not a good idea to just let the leaves pile up in your yard. The grass can die if there are too many leaves on the ground. And it will stunt grass growth if you don’t get rid of it quickly in the spring. This article talk about the best ways to get rid of leaves in the fall, keep reading.
Fall Leaf Removal Techniques
You can get rid of your leaves in a few different ways. Working with a professional is an alternative. Having a professional take care of your leaf cleanup will cost you around $360, according to Home Advisor. Depending on the size of your property, the method you use to dispose of the leaves, and your location, you could pay anywhere from $190 to over $600.
You can save money by doing things on your own. The only other expenses associated with getting rid of leaves are the cost of renting a dumpster example from dumpster rental cape cod for larger fall yard cleanup projects or purchasing any leaf clean up equipment you don’t already have. When possible, think about getting your tools on rent.
Rake
The most common tool used to remove leaves from a yard is a rake. Grass clippings and stray branches will be snatched up as well. A decent one could cost you $20–$30, but you can find others for much less. So that you don’t hurt your back, pick one up with an ergonomic handle. Obtain one with a broad end so that you can rake in as many leaves as possible with each pass. It needs to be about 30 inches wide.
Leaf Blower
You could use a leaf blower to save your back and arms some work, but you should still protect your hearing by wearing earplugs, as the loud noise from the blower could damage your hearing.
Prices for leaf blowers can start at around $17 and go up to over $600. The cost will vary with the model’s power source and level of performance. Corded blowers are the most affordable option, while gas-powered blowers cost more on average. While gas models outperform their electric counterparts, their increased power comes at the cost of increased weight, increased noise, and harmful emissions.
A handheld blower powered by a 36V battery is something we highly suggest renting. It’s about $21 a day, but it’s a powerful way to get rid of leaves fast and it’s not as loud as its gas-powered counterparts. Consider purchasing a cordless electric blower that also has a mulcher attachment. That way, you can put those leaves to good use in your garden.
Lawn Sweeper
Using a lawn sweeper to get rid of the leaves is a quick and simple solution. Leaves, grass clippings, and other debris are swept up by cylindrical brushes and dropped into a hopper below. A hand-powered lawn sweeper can be purchased for around $200. Installing one on the rear of your tractor can set you back $400 to $500. If you were to rent a pull-behind, it might cost you less than $100 per day.
With the hopper full, you can quickly and easily dispose of the leaves in a bag or a burn pile.
Lawn Mower
The fastest way to collect leaves is with a lawn mower that has a bag. To make use of the leaves in your yard or garden, you can use a mower to mulch them and collect them. If you chop up the garbage beforehand, you can put more of it in each bag. The cost to rent a self-propelled mower that includes a mulching blade and a bag ranges from $600 to $200 per week, or about $50 per day.
Lose the Bag, Use the Mulch
Remove the catcher bag from your mower and put the mulched leaves to good use unless you have a heavy accumulation of leaves that could smother your grass. Mow the leaves down to the size of nickels so that you can see half an inch of grass through the mulch. Decomposers like worms and microorganisms will get to work breaking down the mulch once it has settled, releasing valuable nutrients into the soil below.
Leaves: How to Get Rid of Them on Your Own
Do you have any plans for the leaves you’ve raked up? Here are some options for getting rid of fallen leaves.
Bag Them
One common method for getting rid of leaves is to simply bag them up and throw them away. Costs associated with leaf removal are kept to a minimum because the job can be completed with just a rake and some lawn bags. Large lawn bags or recyclable paper bags can be found at most home improvement stores. Get in touch with your city hall for information on garbage pickup times and regulations. If you’re doing a thorough job of cleaning up your yard, you can toss your leaves and other debris in a dumpster rental company in cape cod.
A Few Pointers on Packing Your Leaves
- Put in some time when the weather is dry and quiet. The leaves should be dry and the wind should be minimal. Strong winds will scatter your leaves, defeating the purpose of the afternoon. Raking or blowing wet leaves can be difficult if the leaves are heavy.
- Appropriate attire is required. While working, you will be stirring up dust and other allergens. Put on a hat, some long sleeves, and some long pants. Avoid getting blisters on your hands by protecting them with gloves. You should always wear safety goggles and earplugs when operating a leaf blower.
- Get things done by moving downhill. Use the force of gravity to your advantage if your yard is sloped. Focus on finishing the easiest tasks first. To avoid raking or blowing leaves that have already been cleared, continue in a single direction.
- Obtain a tarp and transfer the leaves there. This is much more convenient than having to repeatedly stop and slog through piles of leaves in order to cram them into a bag or wheelbarrow. In addition, it will alleviate some pressure from your spine. You can then transfer the leaves from the tarp to the dumpster. You could also get a helper to lift the tarp and use it as a funnel to fill your bags.
- Do not put your body through unnecessary strain. Get the most out of your leaf vacuum by following industry standards. When using a rake, the leaves should be gathered in the direction of your body. Hold your abs in and your back straight to prevent injury. To prevent your arms and shoulders from getting tired, try switching up your hand placement frequently. Holding the blower at your side, move it back and forth smoothly to clear leaves.
- Get some rest. Feel free to take a break and refuel with some food and water. Stomp on your leaf pile before you go crazy. This will compact them so that they don’t blow around the yard while you rest.
Burn Them
Leaves and other yard waste can be burned as a cheap and easy way to get rid of them. Before starting a fire, make sure it is legal in your area. If you can legally burn leaves, please do so safely and according to local regulations. Place your fire pit at least 50 feet from your own home and at least 150 feet from any other structures, including your neighbors’. To avoid starting a fire, pick a day with low humidity and no wind and make sure the leaves are dry.
Use Fallen Leaves as Garden Mulch
Are you not keen on burning or bagging leaves as a means of waste management? You could put them to good use in your garden. Mow at a height of 2.5″ to 4″ with the catch bag still attached. Start up the mower and run over the leaves until they’re all chopped up. You shouldn’t mow wet leaves because it could cause damage to your mower.
Protect your garden from the harsh winter weather by adding a layer of mulched leaves after you’ve finished winterizing your garden. Covering your cold-weather vegetables like kale, spinach, and beets will allow you to harvest them throughout the winter. You can also incorporate the leaf mulch into your garden for better soil come spring.
Make a lasagna garden with the mulch
Create a lasagna garden with bagged mulched leaves. Compostable materials like newspaper, cardboard, and grass clippings can be layered with your leaves to make a thick compost pile. Everything will eventually be decomposed by worms and microorganisms into a nutrient-dense, rich soil. Start in the fall for a more eco-friendly and time-efficient alternative to filling your garden bed with new soil in the spring.
Leaves for next year’s compost
Don’t just let the leaves pile up; use them to make a compost pile that will nourish next year’s crop. Shred the leaves and toss them in the compost or pile them in a yard corner. Put grass clippings, food scraps, or manure on top of the leaf pile to increase its nitrogen content. Composting requires regular turning to achieve the desired dark, dry, crumbly texture and earthy aroma.
Construct a Leaf Form
If you use a leaf mold on your garden bed’s soil, it will help keep the soil moist for longer. Weeds can also be managed effectively with this method. Shred the leaves and place them in a large trash bag. Wet the bag thoroughly with water. Make sure the bag is completely sealed, and then cut some ventilation holes in it. In order to keep the contents fresh, shake the bag once every few weeks. Once the winter has passed, the leaf mold will have turned a dark color (brown or black) and crumbly texture (ready for spring).
Leaves Are Just the Beginning of Fall Upkeep
Indulge in the sight of your yard without leaves for a moment, but don’t settle in just yet. What condition are your flora? To begin, how does your roof look? Do you need to have any dead trees removed? Use these strategies as templates for your annual fall offensive. Read also.