A Little Preparation Makes Leaf Season Easier

There’s a point every fall when we stop admiring the leaves and start thinking about how we’re going to pick them all up. Here in Connecticut, that change of heart can happen pretty quickly. One windy afternoon and suddenly the driveway has disappeared.

Before you devote an entire weekend to raking, a little preparation can make the work easier. Now is a good time to check your tools, think about where those leaves will go, and make a plan that leaves you with enough energy to enjoy the rest of the day.

Start with the rake. A wide, fan-shaped leaf rake is useful for open lawn areas, while a smaller one makes it easier to work around shrubs and flower beds. Check for a loose handle or broken tines before getting started. If you’re buying a replacement, hold it and try the motion in the store. A rake that feels awkward after a few seconds probably won’t improve after an hour.

A few simple accessories can help, too. Leaf scoops, sometimes called leaf claws, let you pick up more than you can with your hands alone. A bag holder keeps paper lawn bags open while you fill them, which saves the familiar wrestling match with a bag that keeps folding shut. Gloves with a good grip are another worthwhile addition.

Then there’s the humble tarp. Spread one near your work area, rake leaves onto it, and move a manageable load to your compost pile or collection spot. Keep the loads small, especially if you’re working alone. Dragging a mountain of wet leaves across the yard can be just as tiring as carrying it.

If you use a leaf blower, take it out now and check that it’s ready. Charge batteries or follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions before the day you need it. Wear hearing and eye protection, and be considerate about where the leaves and dust are going. Your neighbor probably has enough leaves of their own.

Timing makes a difference. Dry leaves are easier to handle than wet ones, and a calm day gives you a better chance of keeping your progress. Work in sections and clear steps, sidewalks, and entrances first. Wet leaves can make those surfaces slippery, even when the rest of the yard can wait.

For older homeowners, especially, give yourself permission to change how you tackle this job. Clear a small area, take a break, and decide whether you feel up to another section. Wear sturdy shoes, keep your movements comfortable, and move your feet instead of twisting to toss leaves behind you. Bags don’t have to be full to be ready for pickup.

If balance, stamina, or joint trouble makes yardwork difficult, arrange help early. A family member, neighbor, or yard service can take on the heavier work while you handle smaller tasks. There’s no prize for finishing the whole yard yourself.

You may also be able to skip some bagging. A mulching mower can chop a light covering of leaves into small pieces that settle among the grass. You should still see plenty of grass afterward; a thick blanket needs additional attention. Leaves can also go into compost. Check your town’s current collection rules before setting anything out.

Finally, remember that leaves don’t all land on the lawn. Take a look at your roof and gutters from the ground. Debris collecting in roof valleys or spilling over gutter edges deserves attention, and downspout outlets should stay clear. Arrange qualified help for work that requires getting onto the roof, and check again as more leaves fall.

A little planning now can save plenty of effort later. Get your tools ready, take the yard one section at a time, and leave yourself a chance to enjoy the season. Those colorful trees are still worth a look, even when they’re making work for us.

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 odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Tackle Fall Leaves the Smart Way

If you live in New England, you already know the drill: one day your lawn looks perfect, and the next it’s buried under a crunchy blanket of red, orange, and gold. While a few leaves can add charm, too many can smother your grass, invite pests, and cause slippery walkways. But before you grab the rake and start waging war, there’s a better, smarter way to manage your autumn cleanup.

The Case for Raking (and When to Do It)

When leaves pile up, they block sunlight and trap moisture, creating the perfect environment for mold, disease, and dead patches of grass. That’s why timing is everything. Start raking when about half your trees have dropped their leaves, and again right before the first snowfall. If you wait until every last leaf has fallen, you’ll end up with a soggy, compacted mess that’s harder to remove.

Dry days are your best friend. Wet leaves are heavier, stickier, and can quickly clog your rake. Choose a breezy, low-humidity afternoon, and work in sections so you’re not battling the whole yard at once.

Tools of the Trade

Not all rakes are created equal. A classic 24-inch plastic or poly rake is light, flexible, and easy on the back. Metal rakes are great for tough patches or wet leaves but can tear delicate turf. Some homeowners swear by “no-clog” rakes, which use tines spaced wider apart so leaves don’t stick.

If you want to save serious time, consider upgrading to a leaf blower or a mulching mower. A blower makes short work of large yards, while a mulching mower chops leaves into fine pieces that decompose right into your lawn, creating essentially free fertilizer.

Rake Smarter, Not Harder

Most people make one big mistake: raking randomly. Instead, start along your lawn’s perimeter and work inward, moving leaves onto a large tarp. When the tarp fills, drag it to your compost pile or curbside leaf collection. It’s faster and saves your back from hundreds of bending motions.

Use the wind to your advantage, not against it. Rake with the wind direction, not into it. And if your neighborhood allows curbside collection, check the schedule. There’s nothing worse than finishing your raking marathon only to watch your neatly raked piles blow around for two rainy weeks.

Mulch, Compost, or Bag?

Each option has its perks. Mulching leaves with your mower saves time, enriches your soil, and supports beneficial organisms in your lawn. Composting is another eco-friendly choice - just mix dry leaves with green materials like grass clippings or kitchen scraps for the perfect compost balance.

Bagging, while less sustainable, is sometimes unavoidable, especially if your town requires it. If so, look for biodegradable paper bags rather than plastic. Your local transfer station or public works department likely has them in stock.

Protect Your Lawn and Yourself

Don’t overlook safety and comfort. Wear gloves to avoid blisters, sturdy shoes for traction, and long sleeves to fend off scratches and ticks. Stretch before and after - yes, really - because leaf raking can burn up to 300 calories an hour. Think of it as an outdoor workout with built-in results.

When you’re done, give your lawn one final low-cut mow to keep it neat through winter. It’ll help prevent matting and give new spring grass room to grow.

When “Leaving the Leaves” Makes Sense

Here’s the good news: not every leaf has to go. A thin layer - an inch or less - can actually benefit your lawn and garden beds. It insulates soil, supports pollinators, and provides nutrients as it breaks down. The key is moderation: too many leaves smother grass, too few miss out on the natural benefits.

If you’ve got wooded or low-traffic areas on your property, consider leaving the leaves there entirely. It’s a small but powerful way to support local ecosystems and save yourself a few hours of weekend labor.

Fall cleanup doesn’t have to be a back-breaking battle. With the right timing, tools, and strategy, you can protect your lawn, help the environment, and maybe even enjoy more of the season in the process.

Tips for Effective Leaf Raking

As leaves begin to fall from the trees, the prospect of raking can feel overwhelming. However, with the right approach, you can turn this chore into a manageable and dare I say enjoyable task. Here are some updated best practices for effective leaf management to keep in your back pocket as we approach the outdoor cleanup season. 

1. Timing Your Raking

Some people like to wait until all the leaves have fallen, while others tackle their yards over the course of a few weeks to avoid the bulk. Monitor both your trees and local weather conditions to choose the optimal time. We’ve had a very dry season so leaves are light, but a big rainfall will change that, so be mindful of the forecast.

2. Select Appropriate Tools

Invest in high-quality rakes, such as leaf rakes or adjustable rakes, to enhance efficiency. For larger areas, consider a leaf blower to save time. Leaf claws and leaf sweepers can facilitate easier collection of leaves. A tarp can also be very helpful to avoid having to pick up in bags and barrels. 

3. Plan Your Strategy

Before you start, determine where to pile the leaves and the most efficient route through your yard. Generally, raking from the outer edges towards the center is effective but it depends on your yard size and shape. 

4. Use Proper Raking Techniques

Employ smooth, steady motions to gather leaves. Avoid abrupt movements to reduce strain on your back and arms. Maintain good posture, take short breaks, and keep your shoulders relaxed to minimize fatigue. Gloves are a great idea to protect your hands from blisters and sharp, hidden objects. 

5. Choose a Disposal Method

Decide between bagging the leaves or using a mulching mower. Bagging provides thorough removal, while mulching enriches your lawn as leaves decompose. Select the method that best fits your yard and preferences. 

6. Dispose of Leaves Responsibly

Ensure proper disposal of collected leaves. Many municipalities offer curbside pickup or designated drop-off locations for yard waste. If composting, make sure leaves are free of debris such as sticks and branches.

7. Engage with Neighbors

If raking becomes too strenuous, consider reaching out to neighbors or local community groups for assistance. Many young people are eager to help for a small fee. If using a professional company, don’t wait until the last minute to contact them as many will be booked weeks in advance. 

8. Maintain Your Tools

After raking, clean and store your tools properly to prolong their lifespan. Keep rakes dry and clean, and ensure gas-powered equipment is maintained and stored safely.

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.