Picking Up Fall Leaves Can Be Quite a Chore
Fall is really beautiful, but do you ever find yourself groaning when it comes time to pick up those leaves? Raking has to be one of the worst tasks around, and for some reason, it’s a killer on my back.
There are some tools out there designed to make your job easier, but I’m not sure they’re necessary.
We’ve never had a leaf blower, but when I watch people using them to pick up fall leaves, they really don’t look all that easy. The leaves still end up blowing all round the yard and they are still whole, making them a less valuable commodity, at least in my eyes.
Yes, I definitely put a high premium on leaves, but give me them mulched, please. This post explains why fall leaves are so wonderful for building soil.
Leaf vacuum / mulchers are available, but why buy a new tool, when you probably already have the perfect tool in your garage?
So, what, in my opinion, is the easiest way to pick up fall leaves? That would be a lawn mower, with a bagger. It’s a perfect way to pick up the leaves and mulch them at the same time.
In addition, the mower is cutting and bagging your grass, adding nitrogen to the carbon in the leaves which will speed decomposition.
The bag of leaves and grass can be emptied directly onto garden beds and used as mulch, or taken to your compost pile.
Picking up leaves and building soil at the same time. Now that’s a win-win!
What easy ways have you found for picking up fall leaves?
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Alica says
I hear you! I injured my back and won’t be raking any leaves this fall. We have someone bagging/shredding them for us. They’ll be piled on our garden, and hopefully I’ll be able to plant again in the spring!
Exmark says
We couldn’t agree more! Utilizing your lawn mower for multiple purposes is a win-win indeed.
Jason says
This is a very interesting idea. It could just work. Thank you for the tips.
Carol L says
Leaf blowers: YUCK. HATE them.
First, I used to deliver mail, which required me to have my window (right side) open all day and believe me, It was horrible while in town (and sometimes in the rural areas) to have to avoid having all kinds of stuff blown directly into my vehicle and ears/eyes! Often, I would actually stop and wait for them to see me and stop their blowing.
Second: noise pollution! Every Sunday, when we lived behind a grocery store in a tiny mall area, I would wake to the horrible noise of leaf blowers being used in the parking lot. I worked Saturdays and only had Sundays off. Miserable! Inconsiderate!
Third: Air pollution and electric usage! Totally NOT environmentally good!!
Plus, I have seen these in use, and you are right: they cause as much work as they ‘help’.
I knew some who also would use power washers: same offensive issues with them, too!
I have been using my mower as a leaf and mulch pick up for decades. Only problem, if you mow blackberries, DO NOT MULCH WITH THE CLIPPINGS! You’ll get lovely new blackberry vines growing from each and every cut piece!!!