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.