How to Rake Leaves in the Snow

Leaves hidden below the snow can still be raked up.

Fallen leaves can mar the look of your perfect garden, but some gardeners ignore the leaves once the first snow falls. Just because a blanket of snowflakes covers the leaves, however, doesn't mean they are not there. The wet leaves can create a hard shell that blocks oxygen from reaching the already oxygen-deprived grass below. The snow does not have to stop you from raking up those leaves. With a little extra work, you can penetrate the snow and reach the soggy leaves underneath.

Things You'll Need

• Rake

Instructions

1. Shovel away the first layers of snow so that you do not have to pull too much weight while you rake. This will make it easier to reach below the snow and get the leaves.

2. Grip your rake with both hands. If you are right-handed, place your left hand near the top of the rake and your right hand further down so that your dominant hand is making the power-strokes when you rake. Reverse the hand positions if you are left-handed.

3. Spread your legs in a wide stance and stand straight. Place the head of the rake off to your right if you are right-handed or to your left if you are left-handed. Do not stretch the head of the rake far enough to make yourself uncomfortable.

4. Dig your rake deep into the snow so that you can reach the layer of leaves below. Press down until you are certain that your rake is touching the ground below.

5. Pivot your body to the left if you are right-handed. Do the reverse if you are left-handed. Use your entire body in the movement and not just your spine.

6. Rake the same spot until you are able to see barren ground without any leaves. Move forward when that patch of lawn is clear.

7. Move all the leaves and snow into a centralized pile. This makes clean-up easier. Make more than one pile if the snow makes the central pile too large to manage.

Tips & Warnings

• Dress in layers to keep yourself warm while you work in the snow. Wear high boots, heavy pants, gloves, two shirts and a jacket. Include a hat and scarf to your outfit if there is a chilling wind.

• Stretch your muscles before you head into the cold. Getting your blood pumping quickly through your veins can keep you just as warm as your winter clothing. Heading outside with a healthy heart rate also fights frostbite.

• Take a break if your muscles start to feel sore. There is no need to overexert yourself.

• Switch between using your right and left hand as the dominant one to help conserve your energy.

References

• AARP: Raking Leaves