Not more, but smarter raking
Raking your grass does more than just make it look great. Raking keeps your grass from becoming suffocated in the winter and spring, as well as reducing the possibility of mold forming beneath the snow and preventing small animals from constructing homes in or on your lawn. With these helpful hints, raking this fall will be more productive and less of a bother.
With the breeze, rake. While this may be more difficult than it appears on some days, taking a few time to grasp the factors when you first step outside will make your task easier. If it’s windy, attempt to rake your leaves behind some form of wind block so you don’t end up back where you started.
When the leaves are dry, rake them. Wet leaves are more difficult to move around on your lawn than dry ones since they are heavier.
Rake downwards. Raking uphill is impossible since gravity is against you.
Invest in a tarp. Tarps make leaf collection easier, and you don’t have to worry about raking every last bit of leaf from the ground once the leaves are on the tarp. Tarps can also be used to transport smaller leaf piles to a larger pile or compost bin.
Use a lawn mower instead when your yard isn’t covered with leaves. Lawn mowers are more effective in the early fall than in the late fall. Mulching the leaves early on will disseminate the nutrients throughout the soil and eliminate the need for any additional fertilizer.
Keep in mind who you are. Wear gloves and appropriate work shoes and stay hydrated. Raking takes a lot of time and effort, but it doesn’t have to be done all at once. Take breaks, particularly if you’re weary or sore. When raking, try to avoid twisting too much — transfer your weight with your legs, not your back. Find a rake that suits your needs and is in good working order. If your rake is missing prongs or is extremely rusted, it may be time to replace it.
Do some leaf crushing to relive your childhood! Crush your leaves once you’ve gathered them into a mound to prevent them from blowing away.