Tips for Raking Leaves

Here in Florida, The Oak trees don't finish dropping their leaves until April.It is strange that they don't fall in the fall.I spent the whole day yesterday finishing the job. I bagged close to 30 bags of leaves. And my boys have been raking and bagging for the past 2 months as they fall.

Raking leaves is an annual chore for many property owners. It can be physically taxing, especially as we age. Knowing when and how to rake can save hours of back-breaking work. Having the proper tools can also make a difference.


Where to Rake
Leaves that fall and collect under trees and shrubs can be left to compost by themselves. They will break down into a mulch on their own and benefit the trees and shrubs. Open areas of lawn however need to be raked. A thick carpet of leaves can effectively kill a lawn because they do take so long to break down and will block the sunlight the grass needs to grow in the spring. Also, areas where the leaves blow and gather into deep piles such as along the foundation of your home, along pathways or fences and gates should be raked.
The Proper Rake
The old-fashioned rakes often get clogged at the ends, causing frequent stops to clean out the tines. Newer rakes are available with variations in the design of tines, making them less likely to clog as often. A thicker handle helps decrease the fatigue to your hand. Rakes with comfort grips to prevent hand-slippage can help reduce blisters too. If you have back trouble, an ergonomically designed rake may be the right choice for you. These can be found online from Home Depot or Lowe's, or at any lawn and garden shops. Another cool item I saw was a leaf Pan that you scoop leaves on and it works just like your dust pan. You dump them in the bag a lot easier. I used the lid to my trash can. Even a big piece of cardboard bent and slid into the bag works great!
How Often to Rake
It is not necessary to rake every time the wind blows a few leaves from the trees to your lawn. However, it is not wise to wait until every leaf has fallen either as this makes the job incredibly difficult and time consuming. Spread the raking throughout the season. Somewhere between 3 and 5 times, depending on the size of your lawn, should be sufficient to spread out the workload and provide the best care for your lawn.
Disposing of Leaves
Composting leaves is a great way to dispose of them naturally. They can be spread on top of a vegetable or flower garden plot and mixed with other composting ingredients to give the garden a lift. Or you can start a compost pile in a remote area of your yard. If composting is not an option then you can bag the leaves in yard waste disposal bags, use a wheel barrow to haul them to the curb or burn them in a safe area. All of these options depend on the rules in the area where you live for disposing of leaves.
Health Tips
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2004, more than 12,000 Americans were seen for injuries related to raking leaves. Avoid injuries by wearing gloves to protect hands from blisters. Wear skid-resistant shoes to prevent falls. Always bend and lift with your bent-knee legs, not your back. Avoid repetitious movements that can cause fatigue and strain. Try not to twist as you rake. Vary your movements to prevent these types of problems. Start and finish your raking sessions with some muscle stretches and some warming up. When you're finished, give yourself a cool down period to help your muscles relax. I take a hot bath in epsom salt when I'm done! :)