Posted on September 27th, 2016
Leaf-raking is a difficult job, but someone’s got to do it! If you’re planning to hit the yard hard this weekend, here are a few of the most important leaf raking rules to keep in mind.
#1: Rake in the right direction. Why make things harder on yourself? Make sure you’re raking with the wind, not against it and try to rake downhill whenever you’re able. Let mother nature and gravity do some of the work for you — after all, they made the mess!
#2: Jump in the leaves. Yes, this is a rule! Not just because it’s fun, but because stomping through your leaf piles will break them up, making it harder for them to escape once raked.
#3: Block blisters with gloves. Try to get a pair of gardeners gloves with rubber finger pads to get a better grip on the rake. If not, any kind of glove will do!
#4: Shield away allergies. Dust masks are a must while raking and mowing — especially if you’re prone to outdoor allergies.
#5: Transport bagged leaves easily. Don’t break your back carrying each bag one by one. Instead, pile the leaves onto a sheet and drag them over to your garbage pile for bagging and dumping.
#6: Redistribute the wealth. Fallen leaves are packed with great nutrients, so why let that go to waste? Instead of tossing your leaf piles in the garbage, mulch and re-spread them on your lawn
#7: Don’t forget the compost pile. Not looking to redistribute your freshly raked leaves back into your landscape? Use them to start a hearty compost pile instead and get a head-start on spring fertilizer.
#8:Give a new rake a test run. Not only are some rakes better for certain leaves than others, but different types can be better for your back. Test out both plastic and metal tined rakes in the store before you purchase.
#9: Don’t forget to take breaks. You can’t rake the entire front and back lawn in one sitting, unless you want to be seriously out of commission for the next few days. Allow yourself breaks in between to relax and rehydrate with plenty of water.
#10: Make it a family affair. Who says leaf-raking has to be a boring, one-man operation? We say, get the whole family involved! That way, it’ll go a lot faster and double as quality bonding time.
Turf Unlimited is the #1 lawn care company in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and the surrounding areas. If your lawn could use a pick-me-up this autumn, give us a call at 888-649-9919 for a complimentary estimate today and experience the Turf Difference for yourself!
