As temperatures drop and trees put on their final colorful show, homeowners across the country know what’s coming next: leaf cleanup season. While raking endless piles of leaves might feel like a never-ending chore, a little strategy can make the process more manageable and even beneficial for your yard.
Timing is Everything Don’t feel pressured to clear every leaf the moment it falls. Wait until most trees have dropped their foliage, then tackle the job in one or two focused sessions. This saves time and energy compared to constant daily raking.
Smart Cleanup Strategies Consider mulching leaves directly into your lawn with a mulching mower if the layer isn’t too thick. This returns nutrients to the soil naturally. For heavier leaf coverage, rake them into garden beds where they’ll provide winter protection for plants and break down into rich compost by spring.
Make It Work for You Instead of bagging everything for disposal, think of fallen leaves as free mulch and soil amendment. Compost piles love carbon-rich leaves, and many plants benefit from a protective leaf layer during winter months.
Fall leaf cleanup doesn’t have to be a dreaded task. With the right approach, you can clear your yard efficiently while giving back to your garden’s health. Plus, there’s something satisfying about transforming a leaf-covered landscape into a tidy space ready for winter.