Best Practices for Safe and Efficient Leaf Raking

While the falling leaves look beautiful this time of year, the task of raking is one that most homeowners dread. To ensure a tidy yard and make the most of this season, here are some best practices for effective leaf management.

1. Timing is Key: Start your leaf-raking at the right time. Ideally, you should wait until the majority of the leaves have fallen, but if you have physical limitations, tackling the job in stages makes for lighter work. Monitor your trees and the weather to find a sweet spot, and don’t take on more than you can handle.

2. Choose the Right Tools: Invest in the right tools to make your job easier. A good quality rake is essential. There are different types of rakes, such as leaf rakes, thatch rakes, and adjustable rakes. Leaf blowers can also be a time-saving option for larger yards and leaf claws or grabbers make pick-up easier. 

3. Plan Your Approach: Before you start raking, take a moment to plan your approach. Determine where you'll pile the leaves and the most efficient route for clearing your yard. It's usually best to work from the outer edges of your yard towards the center, pushing the leaves into piles.

4. Rake Efficiently: While raking, use a smooth and steady motion to guide leaves into piles. Avoid abrupt jerking movements, which can be strenuous on your back and arms. Maintain a comfortable posture, take short breaks to avoid fatigue, and keep those shoulders down.

6. Bagging or Mulching: Decide whether you want to bag the leaves or use a mulching mower to break them down. Bagging is a more thorough approach, but mulching can be an eco-friendly alternative. Mulched leaves can be beneficial for your lawn, as they decompose and enrich the soil.

8. Yard Waste Disposal: Properly dispose of your collected leaves. Many municipalities offer curbside leaf pickup or have designated locations for yard waste. If you choose to compost the leaves, make sure they are free from debris like twigs and branches.

9. Embrace Teamwork: If raking leaves is a strenuous task for you, reach out to your neighbors or community for help via your local Facebook group. Most teenagers would love the opportunity to earn a few extra dollars and help out a neighbor. 

10. Maintenance Matters: After you've completed your leaf raking, remember to clean and store your tools properly. Keep your rake clean and dry to extend its lifespan. If you have a gas-powered leaf blower, ensure it's properly maintained and store it safely.

Leaf raking doesn't have to be a daunting chore. By following some best practices, you can make the process more manageable, efficient, and even fun. Remember, the reward is not just a tidy yard but the satisfaction of a job well done and the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in autumn. Happy raking!

Bob O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell Bros, Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro”. All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O'Donnell Bros, Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only. 

Make Your Lawn the Envy of the Neighborhood

A gorgeous green lawn is what homeowners dream about and with plenty of rain these past few weeks, we are in for a great head start. So how do you make the most of this weather and get a jump on fantastic grass for the whole season? Here are six smart steps you can take.

First, perform a soil test. Grass can be finicky and the pH level of your soil will help you to better understand how to treat it all season long. Experts suggest that the pH level should be between 6.0 and 7.0 and your reading will help you to figure out what nutrients your lawn needs. A soil test is always a smart first step so you don’t go out and buy fertilizer and seed that isn’t the right match. A soil test can be done by a professional landscaper or you can purchase a test kit at any hardware store.

Next, it’s time for clean-up. Start by removing any winter debris such as sticks, leaves, stones. Then give your yard a good rake, even if it’s free of debris. This is called dethatching because it picks out the dead matter that collects on the bottom of the grass blades, closest to the ground. During the winter, thatch is good because it acts as a layer of warmth and protectant. But as the temperature rises, it can block new grass from coming up. 

Once the lawn has been dethatched, it’s time for aeration. An aerator is a bit like a push lawn mower but instead of cutting the grass, it pokes holes in the ground. Aeration is important because all grass needs sun, air, and water to grow. By aerating the lawn, it allows for better air and water flow and lets nutrients get to the roots of the grass more easily. Most people skip this step but I think it’s essential. 

Now I like to treat my lawn with a pre-emergent to help contain weeds. As I mentioned before, grass can be very temperamental, but weeds are strong and will grow in pretty much any condition. If left untreated, they will pop up all over your lawn and compete with grass for sunlight and water. Plus, they multiply and spread very easily. Depending on your soil test and the kind of law you have, a pre-emergent will help to keep those weeds at bay which will help your lawn to flourish.

Once your weeds have been treated, it’s time to reseed any bare spots. Thinning is normal with mature lawns, so you may want to reseed the entire lawn or just portions of it. The type of seed you use will depend on your lawn and your soil, so make sure you consult with the expert at your local hardware store before you buy your grass seed. A spreader makes this job quick and easy but the key is to keep the ground moist to allow the seeds to germinate. 

Finally, it’s time for fertilizer. You’ve worked this hard so make sure to give your grass the best possible chance to survive and thrive. Again, fertilizer is not a one size fits all product and what’s right for your lawn depends on a number of factors. The key is to make sure the fertilizer you select has the nutrients your lawn needs to grow lush and beautiful. 

With all these tips comes one warning. While you might be tempted to get the mower out, it’s better to start slowly and let the grass grow a bit longer in the early season. If you follow the steps above and give the lawn a good clean-up before mowing, you’ll have longer, thicker, healthier grass all season long. Happy grass growing!

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Bob’s Favorite Fall Must-Haves for Easy Autumn Maintenance

The temperature is officially turning which means now is a great time to start getting ready for the rapid changing of seasons. There is nothing worse than being unprepared, so today I have compiled my list of the must-have products and services that you should invest in to keep your home clean, warm, and well maintained from now right through the winter. Let’s get to it. 

Gutter Guards. Most homeowners don’t love the idea of getting up on a roof, but leaving your gutters to clog up with leaves can cause major problems as winter sets in. Gutter guards work as a shield over your gutters, allowing the water to pass through while repelling leaves, whirlybirds, twigs, and other potential blockages. I install gutter guards several times a week and it’s definitely not a one-size fits every house situation. Be sure to get a professional to come out and give you a recommendation before you buy.

Weatherstripping. If you have an older home, you likely feel a lot of air passing through your doors and windows. If you’re not quite ready for a full replacement, weatherstripping can help you to retain some of the heat in your home. Hardware stores generally carry felt, foam, and my personal favorite, vinyl tubing, which lasts the longest.  Most can be installed by a handy homeowner in just a few hours.

A Really Good Rake. Cleaning up the yard is backbreaking work, especially if you don’t have the right equipment. One of my favorite rakes is the Fiskars Leaf Rake with Cushioned Grip which has a wide head that can move a ton of leaves with one grab. Best of all, it’s under $20. If you have a lot of smaller areas, the Gardenite Adjustable Garden Leaf Rake is another great option to tackle tight spots. 

A Cordless Blower. With a good rake should come a good blower, but many don’t have the power to blast wet leaves and move around the yard efficiently. I am loving the Powersmith 40V Max Battery-Powered Leaf Jet Blower which blows at 120 miles per hour and is cordless so I can get right to the very edges of my property. What’s really great is the cruise control so I don’t have to hold down the trigger to keep the machine at the right level of power. 

A Furnace Inspection. It’s a good idea to make sure your furnace or boiler is in tip-top shape before the cold weather comes. Book an inspection now and be sure to change your filters to make sure everything is running smoothly. In addition to the peace of mind, a quick tune-up will help you save on your energy bills too. 

A Great Snow Shovel. Connecticut winters are unpredictable so it’s a good idea to be ready. According to reviews, the True Temper 18-Inch Ergonomic Mountain Mover takes the cake with its 18-inch plastic scoop, curved shaft, and nylon leading edge which protects sensitive surfaces like a deck or patio. It’s not cheap at between $25 and $30, but a good shovel can last for years, so it’s well worth the investment.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.