Parenting Pointers: Leaf Us Alone! Fall Yard Work Tips

The cold weather is here, giving many homeowners a huge headache when it comes to yard work. Leaves that aren’t cleaned up before the snow can easily lead to problems in the spring. Dead leaves can kill patches of grass if left over the winter. They can also be a challenge to clean up in the spring. Taking the time to do a little fall yard work can save you a lot of frustration later. Here are some tips to help you stay on top of your fall yard work.

Rake Without Rain

Don’t make the process of cleaning up leaves harder than it needs to be. Take the time to start cleaning up the yard when it is sunny and warm. You don't want to try and rake or blow leaves when they are wet and harder to move.

Clear High Traffic Areas

The first thing to do is clear the areas that get the most traffic. You need to clean the leaves from these areas to limit how many leaves come inside the home. Pick a day where you will have more time to go outside and gather all the leaves.

Use the Right Tools

Some people stick with the rake when it comes to getting rid of leaves. While you will likely need to use the rake, there are some other great tools you can use to get rid of leaves. Consider using a leaf blower to help gather all the leaves into a large pile. Many of the leaf blowers on the market will include a mulch machine as well. This allows the blower to chew up the leaves to grind them into a pile. You can then toss this huge pile of leaves into the garbage or throw it onto the compost pile in the yard. If you do not want to start a compost pile, find out if there is a green waste day when you can take the leaves to the city dump, which usually have green waste piles where they will use the leaves to make compost for the spring.

Protect the Gutters

Your home’s gutters can easily become clogged with excessive amounts of leaves. You need to clean out the gutters to keep the leaves from clogging them, which will prevent water from adequately draining. If you have trees near the roof that drop leaves and clog the gutters, consider using gutter guards. These guards will prevent leaves from getting inside and backing up the drain system. Use a power washer to clean dirt, leaves, and other debris out of the gutters.

Tree Trimming

In the spring, trim your trees down so they don't have a chance to grow quite so tall and large. You’ll thank yourself when the fall comes around since the tree won't drop nearly as many leaves. Cutting the trees out of the yard entirely is an option, but you will lose out on the shade that they bring in the summer months. Talk to professional tree trimmers about the best options for trimming and cutting trees. 

This article was provided by Samantha Greenbaum, green-thumbed mother of two. If you're looking for other ways to improve your home's exterior, Samantha recommends that you click here.