How to Remove Autumn Leaves from your Yard

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By Susan Golis
eHow Community Member

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If you live in an area that has a lot of deciduous trees, then you will experience Autumn. This is the time of year when the leaves change to hues of gold yellow and red. The peak leaf season is when all of the trees have turned. It is a very short color show, as it lasts on average just under a week. Thereafter the leaves will fall from the trees. Within a day the trees could be bare, and your lawn is covered. Removing the leaves can be an overwhelming task, but with the right tools you can get the job done.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Plastic Tarp
Metal rake
Garden gloves
Leaf vacuum-mulcher
Utility draw string bags
Utility size trash can
Mulching lawn mower

Step 1

24 inch metal rake

The Right Rake

The classic 20-30 inch metal tines rake is tried and true; it’s efficient in removing large amount of leaves as well as aerating your lawn by removing thatch. Be sure to get a rake with a cushion handle, this will prevent blisters. It’s best to rake your yard when the Leaves are dry. Wet leaves are heavier, and will be harder to remove.
Step 2

how to rake

Raking Leaves

Start removing leaves from the far left hand side of your yard. You will need two hands to rake efficiently. Extend the rake out in front of you and then place the rake head down and over the leaves. You will then pull the leaves back toward you. The object is to group the leaves into one large pile. Rake the right side next and place those leaves in a separate pile, then rake the center, you will have 3 large piles of leaves.
Step 3

leaves on tarp

Plastic Tarp

You will need to open up the plastic tarp and lay it as close as you can to your leaf pile. Take your rake and flip it over so that the tines face upward. You will now scoop up the leaves from the pile and place them in the middle of the tarp. You will fill the tarp with leaves.
Step 4

tarp easy removal

Removal Of Leaves

Leave enough room so that you can fold the tarp diagonally. Pick up the leaf full tarp and remove the leaves from your yard. The Tarp method of removal is a good way to move leaves to your curb for city leaf pickup or to transport leaves to your compost.
Step 5

leaf blower

Leaf Vacuum/mulcher

If you have a large yard you may want to invest in a leaf vacuum/mulcher. There are several leaf blowers on the market that offer this benefit. The vacuum attaches to your leaf blower, and the end goes into a utility bag lined trash can. You would then vacuum your pile of leaves. The leaves are shredded into a fine mulch. You can use this mulch to winterize your flower beds, your tree's and your shrubs.
Step 6

mulch leaves with mower

Mulching Lawn Mower

There will always be a few leaves remaining in your yard. This is no problem. Just attach a bagging system to your mulching lawn mower. Then run your mower over the remaining leaves. The leaves in the bag will be shredded into a fine mulch.
Step 7

snakes hide under leaves

Yard Attire

Long sleeve shirt, pants and work boot is essential when removing leaves from your yard. The work boots will protect you in the event that snakes are hiding under the leaves. You will also be protected against insects such as ticks, fleas, chiggers and more.
Step 8

face mask

Respirator Face Mask

If you are allergic to mold or dust, you should wear a respirator face mask. This will protect you from breathing in allergens.

Comments

rjessiegreen said

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on 11/18/2008 We have a small yard with no trees, but the leaves from our neighbor's tree end up on our property. We have a metal rake, but the home improvement stores sell smaller plastic ones perfect for tiny kid's hands. The little ones love helping with the leaves! Good instruction.