Tips for Raking Leaves

Part of fall's wonder are the beautiful colors of changing leaves. They look gorgeous in the trees, but make a total mess when they fall to the lawn just a few weeks later. In most climates, having seasons and trees means owning a rake. While raking the lawn may seem second-nature, there is a method to be more efficient about it.

Raking the lawn isn't only about aesthetics.It's actually the healthy thing to do for your grass. Wet clumps of leaves left on a dormant lawn can result in brown spots when the lawn grows again in spring. But, it's important not to rake too soon in the season or it will become the chore that never ends.

Here are a few tips on fall leaf raking:

• Gather and mulch leaves as they begin to fall, but hold off on true raking until all leaves have fallen and the grass begins to go dormant.


• Don;t rake everywhere. Some leaves are best left where they fall, like under trees where they will compost and feed the roots.


• Invest in a good rake. A rake with weaved teeth will save you time and frustration because leaves won't clog up the teeth and need to be cleaned out every few minutes. (Try Ames' Clog-Free Leaf Rake)


• Wear a back brace. Raking is a vigorous activity that uses back muscles that you don't usually use. minimize the strain by standing up straight and moving with the rake instead of bending over.

In addition to safety and efficiency, don't forget to use the raked leaves as an addition to your compost bin for your spring garden.