Everyone loves fall for its warm colors, crisp air, and pumpkin spice scent wafting through the air all season long. But every fall, something else starts drifting through the air: leaves. The idea of cleaning up leaves from around your yard can be a source of dread all year long. The process is time-consuming, boring, and sometimes strenuous.
But here at Hydro Clean, we are trying to make your fall season more relaxing, one leaf at a time. We are here to provide you with four amazing tips for cleaning up leaves around your home. From the tools you select to the methods you employ, we have all the advice you need to make your yard shine this fall.
4 Tips to Remove Leaves from Your Home This Fall
1) Choose the right tools.
When it comes to yard care, you are only as strong as your tools. It is imperative that you have all the necessary tools to get the job done right, and do not forget to hold on to your owner’s manual to ensure you are using them properly and to help you with possible troubleshooting.
While you attempt to tidy up your outdoor space, your rake will become your best friend. This is the tool you will be reaching for most as you clean up leaves, and it is key that you find the best one for you. Many different rakes come with multiple grip options, from wood to plastic, and it is up to you to select the one that works best.
The size of your rake can also play a big role in speeding up the job. As intuitive as it sounds, the bigger the rake, the smaller the job. That means when you head to your local outdoor supplies store, look for the largest options they carry (most have raked up to 30 in. wide).
Nowadays, the market is saturated with many choices when it comes to trash cans and bags designed with leaf collection in mind. Similarly to selecting your rake, it is all about what will work best for you and your outdoor workflow. We suggest sturdy, thick bags to prevent twigs and other sticks from puncturing them.
2) Do not neglect your gutters.
The long-ignored gutter, which seems to always be a project for next fall, is actually a critically important area to manage when it comes to preserving your home. Failing to properly clean out your gutters poses huge risks to the lifespan of your home.
The accumulation of leaves, sticks, and other debris can clog your gutters and cause various problems. These can range from water drainage issues to foundation problems and, in severe cases, could cause serious ceiling damage or break your gutters. A dirty gutter is also a perfect hideaway for pests and other unwanted autumn guests.
3) Remember this before using your leaf blower…
Another one of the most helpful tools you can use to clean your yard is your trusty friend, the leaf blower, and its sometimes built-in sidekick, the leaf vacuum. But before you start blowing leaves everywhere, there are some important reminders you will want to have on top of your mind before you get out there.
It is important to remove any garden mulch, twigs, landscape rocks, and any other material that could damage the impeller. When it comes to safety, also be sure to wear leather gloves to fight off vibration-induced hand numbness and finger tingling. Also, do not forget to invest in both ear and eye protection.
The noise emitted by newer leaf blowers is loud and has the ability to cause permanent hearing loss, and not wearing safety glasses could allow small particles like dust to be swept into the eyes. So, before you whip out your leaf blower, make sure you are prepared to use it!
4) Get creative!
One way to make any project speedier and more enjoyable is by engaging your creative problem-solving skills. While it may sound cheesy and more daunting, do not be afraid to utilize some new methods or rethink how you are using your tools.
Today’s homeowners have found creative and fun new ways to make the job of picking up leaves a little bit more fun and a whole lot easier.
One new and popular means for collecting leaves only uses a leaf blower and a tarp.
You begin by placing your tarp flat on the ground in one corner of the yard. Then beginning at the opposite corner, you start blowing the leaves into a pile, and as you move towards the pile, more and more leaves are collected. Then once all the leaves are on the tarp, simply pick up the tarp to empty the leaves into bags, trash cans, or other bins.
This method and so many others prove that by thinking outside of the box, you are able to expedite the job and flex some creative muscle at the same time.
Your Yard Awaits
We hope our tips and suggestions help you keep your yard looking spick and span this fall. As you prepare to get to work, be sure to remember just how critical it is to clean leaves from around your home and roof. Leaves that remain on your roof too long can trap water and cause moisture damage deteriorating your home’s value.
Hydro Clean can help make sure your leaves are clean and cleared from your home. But by staying on top of your yard work, you can be sure to lengthen your home’s life and keep up its looks at the same time. Get the help of professionals! Be sure to check out more of our yard management tips as you prepare for fall.