Fall brings beautiful colors, but it also means dealing with a constant pile of leaves. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you the most efficient way to pick up fall leaves using tools like an electric blower and share some tips to make the process easier and faster. Whether you have large oak trees, pine trees, or a mixture of both, this method will help you maintain a clean yard without too much effort.
Step 1: Use a Powerful Blower
The best way to start is by using a corded electric blower. We recommend the Toro blower we used in the video, which delivers about 230 mph of blowing power. This is key for quickly gathering leaves, especially if you have large trees that shed heavily.
Start by blowing the leaves from higher areas to lower ones, using gravity to help you gather them. Make sure to blow leaves into smaller piles to make collection easier.
Step 2: Organize Your Leaf Piles
Instead of making one huge pile of leaves, divide them into smaller sections. This prevents the piles from getting too thick, making them easier to manage. In the front yard, for example, we created two manageable piles. One larger pile took about seven bags to collect, but having smaller piles helps reduce the difficulty of moving large amounts of leaves at once.
Step 3: Bag Efficiently
To collect leaves efficiently, use a large garbage can lined with a strong garbage bag. This method allows you to pack the leaves tightly by compressing them inside the bag. Leave a small air gap in the garbage bag so air can escape, allowing you to compress more leaves.
As you fill the bag, compress the leaves further to maximize the space in each bag. This saves time and the number of bags you’ll need. For our project, we ended up using about ten large-sized garbage bags.
Step 4: Work Strategically Around Obstacles
When working in areas with obstacles like decks, fences, or planters, it’s important to plan your leaf blowing to prevent leaves from getting stuck in hard-to-reach areas. In our backyard, we had to be careful near the deck, blowing the leaves in strategic directions to avoid them collecting underneath.
Step 5: Transporting the Bags
Once the leaves are bagged, it’s time to move them. We found that using a wheelbarrow to transport bags from the backyard to the front or truck is the most efficient method. This saves you from making multiple trips and reduces the effort of carrying heavy bags.
Step 6: Take Advantage of Local Dump Sites
Many local areas, including Clean Water Services in our region, offer fall leaf dump sites. You can take your bags of leaves to these locations for easy disposal, saving you time and money. Once you’ve dropped off the leaves, be sure to dispose of your plastic bags responsibly.
By following this process, you can keep your yard clean and leaf-free with minimal effort. With a regular schedule, you’ll find that managing fall leaves becomes much easier and less time-consuming.
Video Tutorial:
Watch the full step-by-step guide on how to efficiently remove fall leaves and keep your yard clean: