Leaf Removal Hacks: Harness the Power of Hose & Fittings this Fall
Ah, fall. The season of pumpkin spice, cozy sweaters…and a pile of moldy, mildewing leaves blanketing your lawn.
If you’re like most people, there’s a good chance that you spend hundreds of hours mowing, fertilizing, and aerating your lawn each year. You want it to look its best, but it can be frustrating to then spend hours raking only to find more leaves falling the next day.
And if you decide to hire the service out? Sure, you’ll save time and energy, but you’re going to pay with your wallet. The average cost of leaf removal is between $285 and $500, or $390 on average (significantly more if you have a large lawn).
What if we told you there’s a better (and less back-breaking) way to harness the power of hoses and fittings to make leaf removal a breeze? We’ll dig into some of those ideas in this post - and show you how you can harness the power of hoses and fittings this fall - to make this dreaded autumn chore a bit less mundane.
Raking vs. Vacuuming: Choose the Best Method
Picture this: a crisp fall morning, a warm mug of coffee in your hands, and an ungodly pile of leaves waiting for you outside. So do you reach for your trusty rake or opt for a leaf vacuum? That’s the million-dollar (or million-leaf) question. Raking can be a great workout, but it’s also labor-intensive and time-consuming. The leaf vacuum is a game-changer if you want to reclaim your weekend (and save your back). Leaf vacuums operate just as they sound. They use a powerful motor to create suction that draws in leaves and other debris. Once these items are collected, they’re shredded into smaller pieces by internal blades, which allows for more efficient collection. Then, the shredded leaves are deposited into an attached bag. Some models even offer a mulching feature, which can turn those problematic leaves into something that actually helps your lawn and garden - nutrient-rich mulch. The beauty of leaf vacuums is the time saving. With one of these, you can suck up leaves faster than you can say “pumpkin pie.” Even very basic, handheld leaf blowers (not larger capacity, more professional vacuums) are estimated to get the job done twice as fast as rakes. They also offer a more thorough clean-up, reaching areas that are hard to reach (like corners and gutters). There’s less bending and lifting, too, a win for someone who’s tired of feeling like they’ve run a marathon after a day of yard work.How to Get Rid of Leaves Quickly: 6 Hacks
The leaves are piling up, and you need to get rid of them before they start suffocating your lawn. Here are some tips to help you make quick work of the tedious task:1. Come Up with a Game Plan
Tackling leaf piles without a plan is like going grocery shopping without a list - you’re going to end up with a mess and some unnecessary stress. Start by assessing your yard and identifying areas that collect the most leaves. Think about the layout and obstacles like flower beds or garden paths so you can tackle each section efficiently. It may also help to come up with a calendar or schedule for removal so you can stay ahead of leaf problems before they become problems.2. Start Early and Do it Often
Procrastination is your enemy. When leaves become wet, they become heavier and more cumbersome (and again, begin to suffocate your yard). Start early in the day and early in the season, and make a plan to remove leaves often. This will prevent a massive pile-up and keep your yard looking pristine all season long.3. Use the Right Equipment
When you’re removing leaves, you need to have the right tools for the job. It doesn’t matter if you’re a homeowner with a postage stamp yard or a commercial landscaper maintaining hundreds of acres a year: investing in the right leaf vacuum and hose can make a world of difference. There are all kinds of options out there, from small residential models to goliath commercial-grade vacuums. Look for one that meets your specific needs, and consider these factors:- Materials: Opt for hoses made from durable materials like rubber or PVC, which can withstand constant usage and resist wear and tear.
- Durability: Check for features like reinforced construction or abrasion-resistant coatings to make sure the hose can endure rough conditions and extended usage (regardless, make sure your gear is packed up and stored inside over the winter to avoid unnecessary wear and tear).
- Lengths: Measure the area to choose the right length. Obviously, longer hoses provide greater reach and flexibility, but you’ll want to make sure that the added length doesn’t compromise suction power.
- Diameters: A larger diameter can reduce clogging and increase airflow, but it should still be compatible with your vacuum system.
- Flexibility: Choose a hose that is flexible enough to maneuver around obstacles like shrubs and trees without any kinking or twisting.
- Compatibility: Make sure the hose you select is compatible with your leaf vacuum model. Double-check the attachment fittings and specifications to avoid mismatches. This is arguably the most important component of your decision!
4. Scout Your Yard for Mulch, Twigs, and Rocks Before You Start
Before you fire up your leaf vacuum, do a quick sweep of the yard for any debris. Watch out for mulch, twigs, or rocks of any size. While larger debris is inherently more problematic - it can clog your vacuum and lead to potential damage - even smaller items should be removed, as they’ll turn into airborne projectiles if they happen to get sucked up by the vacuum.5. Wear Eye & Hearing Protection
Jumping off the last point, remember - safety first! Leaf vacuums have the potential to kick up a lot of debris, and also produce quite a bit of noise. Protect your eyes with safety goggles and your ears with earplugs or noise-canceling earmuffs. This might sound like a small, overly cautious step (especially if you’re just working on removing a few leaves), but it will keep you comfortable and safe while you’re working.6. Have a Plan for Pick-Up or Disposal
Once the leaves are collected and corralled, you’ll need a way to get rid of them. Some people blow their leaves directly onto a tarp or into a bag for easy disposal. Leaf vacuums with bag attachments make this easy, but that’s not standard for every product. Even if you just collect all your leaves into a pile, having a plan to get rid of them ahead of time is still smart. You can compost the leaves, mulch them, or simply bag them up and haul them away. Many communities offer curbside leaf collection or designated drop-off days, so don’t be afraid to take advantage of these services. Ultimately, knowing what you are going to do ahead of time will save you the stress of having a wet, molding pile of leaves sitting on your lawn for weeks (which, of course, will likely need to be re-collected when the wind starts blowing them around).
Dealing with a never ending pile of leaves this fall?
