Fall is a beautiful season enjoyed by many, but this time of year can lead to excess leaf litter in yards and gardens if left unchecked. It may seem daunting to clean up every leaf that falls, but it’s important for the health of your lawn and plants.
Leaves can suffocate the grass and trap moisture leading to fungal diseases like rust or snow molds on turfs. They can also block sunlight, hindering photosynthesis and causing the growth rate of plants and flowers to slow down significantly. Leaves also provide shelter for pests like rodents or insects, which can damage fragile trees or shrubs.
Fortunately, clearing away leaves doesn’t have to be laborious – there are several methods you can use depending on how much foliage needs to be removed:
Raking
Hand-raking leaves are great for small areas with minimal debris; however, it’s not as practical for larger yards with deep beds of leaves. Using a rake may be your best option if you’re facing a larger space. To keep from damaging shrubs and other plants, use only plastic rakes with flexible tines. If possible, avoid metal rakes that can scratch or gouge the bark of trees and shrubs. Start by gathering leaves into small piles at the edge of the lawn, then rake them into a pile for disposal. With more significant amounts of debris, use a tarp to collect leaves and other debris as you work from one side of your yard to the other. When finished, gather up the edges of the tarp and drag it along in order to move the collected material toward the designated collection site.
Leaf Blowers
This is a fast and effective way of gathering leaves without touching them manually. Just make sure you use the appropriate nozzle attachment. It helps protect delicate flowers and landscaping while quickly gathering leaves in a fraction of the time. Leaf blowers come in both gas-powered and electric versions. Gas-powered models offer more power for larger yards but require more maintenance. Electric models are quiet and easier to use but might not have enough energy for larger yards with lots of leaves. Leaf blowers have various features, such as variable speed settings and adjustable nozzles. If you have large trees in your yard, you may want to invest in a backpack leaf blower for added power and efficiency. A suitable leaf blower should be lightweight and easy to use so that it can be maneuvered around the yard without too much effort. With the right leaf blower, you can quickly and easily keep your yard clean and tidy all year long.
Vacuuming
Not just for carpets anymore! A wet/dry vac can collect wet and dry leaves from hard surfaces such as sidewalks or patios. The right attachments can also be used to clean up gutters or other tight spaces. Wet/dry vacs also make quick work of spills and messes in garages, basements, and workshops. Remember to empty the tank after each use, so it doesn’t become a breeding ground for bacteria! With all these uses, wet/dry vacuums are an excellent investment for any homeowner.
Composting
If you don’t want to discard them, why not turn them into compost? Make sure you rotate your compost pile periodically to prevent bad smells from accumulating around your yard! Composting can help you reduce kitchen waste by up to 50% and add nutrients back into the soil. You can even use the compost as fertilizer for your garden or yard! Doing so will help you save money on buying additional fertilizers for your plants. Ultimately, composting is an efficient and sustainable way to manage food waste.
At the end of the day, removing leaves from your property is essential to maintain an attractive landscape all year long – so don’t forget, please don’t leave the leaves!
source: https://sridecks.com/please-dont-leave-the-leaves/
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