How to Rake Leaves and Clear Them Away Quickly

Trees provide wonderful shade, but overwhelm homeowners with leaves to rake in fall and spring. Equipped with some basic tools, you can rake those leaves and clear the yard in record time. Here's how to efficiently rake and remove lots of leaves.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• a leaf rake
• a hay fork
• garden gloves
• a rolling bin or lightweight (collapsible) barrel

1. 

   Start raking the leaves towards a center point using the leaf rake. Wear gloves to avoid possible blisters.

2. 

   Once you have a good-sized heap of leaves, place your barrel on its side next to the pile. Straddle the barrel so you can hold it in place with your legs.

3. 

   Using the hay fork, pull the leaves into the barrel.

4. 

   When the barrel is full, grab the top rim and pull it forward into an upright position. Hold the rake across the top if the leaves start spilling out.

5. 

   Pull the roller bin to the area where the leaves will be composted. If you have a wooded area where you are dumping the leaves, it's easier to tote the lightweight collapsible barrel. Carry it into the trees and dump the leaves. Let nature take its course and over time, the leaves pack down and compost naturally.

6. 

   Shift to another area and continue raking into heaps, then transferring the leaves into the barrel or bin.

[karileighk]

on 6/28/2009 I love the pictures with this. Great tips. *5

[Elizzabeth]

on 6/12/2009 I'm in a wooded area and I deal with leaves even in July; I needed this! 5*s

[joanhaines]

on 6/5/2009 Thanks. Leaves here in Pennsylvania can become overwhelming, though ever so beautiful in the fall!

[gailM]

on 6/4/2009 Great technique on mastering an over supply of leaves, but you left out the fun part that dogs and kids can have with a pile of leaves.