How to Use Rolling Leaf Sweepers
Rakes can be a slow and painful way to get rid of leaves. Leaf blowers are not only loud and obnoxious, but they can actually leave you with sore arms from all the vibration. This doesn't mean you have to have a yard full of fallen leaves, it just means you need another option---like rolling leaf sweepers. Rolling leaf sweepers are quiet, environmentally friendly and give you a good walking workout. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Prepare the area. Some leaf sweepers claim to be able to pick up twigs, rocks and even toys, but you still want to get any very large debris out of the way. This includes logs, massive stones and tricycles.
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Gather your supplies. A sturdy pair of walking shoes are a must, as it a large trash or composter bin in which to place the leaves you sweep. An optional supply is a pair of gloves to protect your hands.
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Begin sweeping. If your leaf sweeper has a height adjuster, fix it to the height you want, whether it be tall grass or pavement. Stand behind the sweeper, gripping the handle firmly with your arms about shoulder width apart. Start walking forward, with the leaf sweeper in front of you, in a methodical back and forth path across the yard.
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Gauge your speed. If not enough leaves are being picked, go a bit slower to give the sweeper time to make its sweep. If your yard is heavy with leaves, you may need to sweep it more than once, speeding up each time.
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Empty often. The leaf sweeper is going to get incredibly heavy when its bag is piled with leaves. You don't need to wait until the sweeper bag is full before you empty it. When the sweeper---or you---become sluggish, empty the sweeper bag and resume your sweeping.
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Tips & Warnings
Leaf sweepers are good to use before mowing the lawn. If you have a tractor or riding mower, you can also buy leaf sweepers that attach to the back of the vehicle.
Wet leaves are going to be immensely heavier and harder to sweep up than dry leaves.
Resources
- Photo Credit Photo by Ryn Gargulinski
