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All You Need to Know About Raking Leaves in The Fall | Leaf Raking 101

family raking leaves

The funny thing about buying a home is that many of us are drawn to shady streets with mature trees. However, once you move in it doesn’t take long to realize that mature trees equal high maintenance. Here we explain all you need to know about raking leaves in the fall.

Raking Leaves In The Fall

The first of our leaf raking hacks is to use the fall wind to work in your favour. Decide which way the wind is blowing, and head in that direction as you rake. The wind will help collect the leaves in the area you are working towards for less work and easier cleanup. Always try to rake leaves when they are dry. Raking leaves after rain makes them heavier and messier.

Are Leaves Good For Grass?

In short yes! As long as they’re mulched that is. Instead of mowing the lawn and raking the leaves, combine the jobs into one. Many people ask should I mulch or bag leaves? You can actually use your lawnmower to mulch up the leaves instead of raking and bagging. You kill two birds with one stone, while also providing the nutrients from the leaves to nurture the soil and your lawn through the winter.

Raking vs Blowing Leaves

This is always a big debate. However, there are some benefits to leaf blowers. Consider investing in a leaf blower with a vacuum/mulch setting. You not only can blow the leaves into piles instead of raking but you can also choose to mulch the leaves to create your own compost. If you settle on a rake don’t buy the first rake you see. Follow these tips instead:

  • Test the rake: Hold the rake and use a raking motion to make sure it is the right size and length for your height. You work harder and cause back pain when you choose the wrong sized rake. If you find yourself stooping as you test it, it’s not the right fit.
  • Buy gloves: Because of the constant motion, your hands will be rubbing on the handle which causes blisters. Grab a pair of work gloves while you’re there.
  • Wear a mask: If you suffer from allergies, you might also want to throw a dust mask in your shopping cart. When you rake leaves, you churn up dust and other airborne particles that can trigger allergies.

Overall, it boils down to preference. However, if you’re not as fit, you’ll probably find a leaf blower is best.

Enjoy the foliage this fall and when it is time to start cleaning up the leaves, use these tips to guide you. To learn more, contact our team at MPS Property Services today.

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Man using leaf blower

How to Rake Leaves Onto a Tarp

This smart strategy can make light work of your raking chores. Lay down a tarp and rake or blow your leaves onto it. Pull up the edges and drag the whole pile in one fell swoop. You don’t have to bend as often, and can finish the job quicker.

Tamp Down Leaf Piles with Your Feet

Nothing is worse than turning your back on your leaf pile for a minute only to find the wind has blown them back onto your lawn. As you create piles, stamp on them once in a while to tamp them down and create a firmer pile. This helps hold them in place until you’re ready to bag them.

Don’t Rake Uphill

It’s much easier to rake downhill than it is to work up. Even on slight slants in your property, try to work downwards to make it less labour intense.

Raking Leaves Exercise

Raking is very physical, hard work. Don’t overdo it. Do a few stretches before you begin. If you feel achy, or too out of breath, take a rest, or bag what you’ve done and carry on another day. The leaves will keep falling and blowing onto your property for a few months so there’s lots of time to finish up.

Who says raking leaves can’t be fun? To learn more about raking leaves this fall, give our team at MPS Property Services a call today! We are here to help.