{"PictureModel":{"ImageUrl":null,"ThumbImageUrl":null,"FullSizeImageUrl":null,"Title":null,"AlternateText":null,"Style":null,"ExtraField":null,"Id":null,"UserFields":[]},"WorkingLanguageId":"617cccc47b40d711a5631fd6","PagingFilteringContext":{"Month":null,"Tag":"leaf cleanup","CategorySeName":null,"SearchKeyword":null,"FirstItem":1,"HasNextPage":false,"HasPreviousPage":false,"LastItem":10,"PageIndex":0,"PageNumber":1,"PageSize":10,"TotalItems":10,"TotalPages":1},"BlogPosts":[{"MetaKeywords":"tree height measurement, measure tree height, DIY tree measuring, shadow method tree height, yard measuring tips, arborist tips, backyard tree guide, tree safety, clinometer tree height, how tall is my tree","MetaDescription":"Learn simple, accurate ways to measure a tree’s height using shadows, sticks, smartphone apps, and more. Easy DIY tips for homeowners and curious yard lovers.","MetaTitle":"How to Measure the Height of a Tree: Easy DIY Methods","SeName":"how-to-measure-the-height-of-a-standing-tree","Title":"How to Measure the Height of a Standing Tree","PictureModel":{"ImageUrl":"/assets/images/thumbs/691b748db10f4eeecbbc0e69_how-to-measure-the-height-of-a-standing-tree_750.jpeg","ThumbImageUrl":null,"FullSizeImageUrl":"/assets/images/thumbs/691b748db10f4eeecbbc0e69_how-to-measure-the-height-of-a-standing-tree.jpeg","Title":"Show blog post for How to Measure the Height of a Standing Tree","AlternateText":"Picture for blog post How to Measure the Height of a Standing Tree","Style":null,"ExtraField":null,"Id":"691b748db10f4eeecbbc0e69","UserFields":[]},"Body":"\r\n \r\n

First off: why would you ever need to know the height of a standing tree? Three reasons come to mind:

Below you’ll find some practical (and not so practical) ways of measuring a tree.


Impractical Tip #1: Ask a Squirrel

This may sound like the easiest and most enticing option, but there’s a surprising amount of legwork that goes into asking a squirrel the height of a tree. First, you’ll need to befriend a squirrel. This can take a few years. You can gain its trust by offering a steady supply of assorted nuts, letting it into your house, and allowing it to sleep in your bed.

Then you’ll need to teach the squirrel English, or at least a numerical system. Finally, you must trust that the squirrel isn’t lying to you.



Impractical Tip #2: Climb

With a measuring tape in tow, climb to the very top of the tree. Once you reach the highest point, hold on to one end of the tape and drop the other to the ground. Read the tape. That’s the height of your tree.

(While we wish you well in your squirrel-befriending endeavors, please don’t do this option.=)


Practical Tip #1: Measure the Tree’s (and Your) Shadow

This method gives you a solid height estimate using simple proportions.

You’ll need:

1.  Your height

2.  Your shadow length (an extra hand helps)

3.  The tree’s shadow length

Once you have all three, compare the ratios.


For example, if your 6-foot height casts a 4-foot shadow, and the tree’s shadow is 20 feet long, then:

6 ft ÷ 4 ft = 1.5
20 ft × 1.5 = 30 ft (tree height)

Note: measure both shadows around the same time so the sun angle is consistent.


Practical Tip #2: Look Between Your Legs

It sounds odd, but this method—said to have been used by Native Americans—produces surprisingly accurate results.

1.  Stand with your back to the tree.

2.  Look between your legs at the tree.

3.  If you can’t see the whole tree, walk farther away until the top becomes visible.

4.  Mark this spot on the ground.

5.  Measure the distance from that mark to the tree’s trunk.

You now have an oddly accurate estimate of your tree’s height.




Practical Tip #3: Use a Smartphone Clinometer App

Many free apps can measure angles using your phone’s camera.

1.  Stand a known distance from the tree.

2.  Hold your phone at eye level and aim at the treetop.

3.  The app will calculate the height for you, or give you the angle so you can plug it into a simple online calculator.

Fast, simple, and surprisingly accurate.


Practical Tip #4: The Stick-and-Walk Method

This classic forester’s trick is quick and surprisingly effective.

1.  Hold a stick at arm’s length so that the part of the stick above your hand equals the distance from your hand to your eye.

2.  Keeping your arm straight, walk backward until the stick appears to be the same height as the tree.

3.  Measure the distance from where you’re standing to the base of the tree. That distance is approximately the tree’s height.


Practical Tip #5: The Yardstick Method (Video)

Sometimes it’s easier to show than tell. Here’s a quick video from a forestry professor at Stephen F. Austin State University demonstrating how to measure a tree with a yardstick:

https://youtu.be/cDy5OjfMfZ8


Please note: these methods provide estimates. For exact measurements—or if you plan to cut down a tree—contact your local arborist. Happy tree measuring!

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Want to appear smart at the next dinner party you attend? If so, then there is no better way than to engage in an impromptu soliloquy about why leaves change color in the fall. But before you get on your soapbox and start raising your glass to the wonders of foliage, let’s make sure you have an understanding of the incredible transformation that’s taking place.

You can’t understand why leaves change color without first understanding the role of chlorophyll and photosynthesis. In a nutshell, chlorophyll is both what makes leaves look green and allows trees to survive; it helps plants convert sunlight into energy in the form of glucose.




But this method of producing energy isn’t sustainable year-round, because come wintertime, the days are shorter, drier, and less sunlight is available. The trees—smart little buggers that they are—use the onset of winter and less sunlight as their cue to head into a sort of survival-style hibernation mode whereby, in an effort to conserve stored energy, they drop their leaves.

“But trees don’t drop green leaves,” an interested dinner party guest may contend.

Which is true. So why don’t trees do this, and what exactly is taking place when leaves change colors?

As mentioned, when water and sunlight become scarcer during the winter months, the trees look to conserve energy and chlorophyll in any way possible, so they stop sending water to their leaves. This forces the chlorophyll—what gives the leaves their greenish color—to fade. Trees, somewhat miraculously, reabsorb and save the chlorophyll molecules in wintertime and redeploy them in spring—a process that saves them considerable energy and allows them to avoid creating chlorophyll from the ground up.

It is precisely when this chlorophyll fades and is reabsorbed by the tree that leaves “change color.” The absence of green gives other colors the chance to shine—most notably the yellow-orange-ish pigment called carotenoid (found in foods like pumpkins and carrots) and the red-purple-ish pigment called anthocyanin (found in foods like cherries, raspberries, and blueberries). While trees may produce some of these pigments in an effort to protect themselves from the sun and herbivores as they reabsorb their remaining stores of chlorophyll, it’s important to note that foliage is less about a changing of colors and more about a revealing of colors that were there all along and couldn’t be seen because of the abundance and vivacity of chlorophyll.

You’re now equipped with the knowledge and know-how to successfully woo an entire dinner party, if you so choose. But at the very least, let this information be a testament as to why we’re so attracted to foliage in the first place: it is beautiful, yes, but it’s also a magnificent sight to see the survival mechanism of trees in unison, en masse.

","BodyOverview":"This post takes a closer look at what’s really happening when the trees trade green for gold each fall. ","AllowComments":true,"NumberOfComments":0,"CreatedOn":"2025-11-09T20:57:34","Tags":["fall","leaf cleanup","november","september"],"Comments":[],"AddNewComment":{"CommentText":null,"DisplayCaptcha":false,"Captcha":{"ReCaptchaChallengeField":null,"ReCaptchaResponseField":null,"ReCaptchaResponseValue":null,"ReCaptchaResponse":null},"Id":null,"UserFields":[]},"Id":"6912197e2a58e070dcb222a8","UserFields":[]},{"MetaKeywords":"yard work tips October, fall lawn care, October lawn maintenance, leaf cleanup, composting leaves, aerate lawn fall, fall fertilizer, garden cleanup, Cyclone Rake","MetaDescription":"Get your yard in shape this fall with 7 essential October lawn and garden tips — from leaf cleanup to composting — for a healthier, better-looking lawn.","MetaTitle":"Top Yard Work Tips for October | Cyclone Rake","SeName":"top-yard-work-tips-for-october-get-your-lawn-looking-its-best-this-fall","Title":"Top Yard Work Tips for October: Get Your Lawn Looking Its Best This Fall","PictureModel":{"ImageUrl":"/assets/images/thumbs/68efadcd43172249a62782cf_top-yard-work-tips-for-october-get-your-lawn-looking-its-best-this-fall_750.jpeg","ThumbImageUrl":null,"FullSizeImageUrl":"/assets/images/thumbs/68efadcd43172249a62782cf_top-yard-work-tips-for-october-get-your-lawn-looking-its-best-this-fall.jpeg","Title":"Show blog post for Top Yard Work Tips for October: Get Your Lawn Looking Its Best This Fall","AlternateText":"Picture for blog post Top Yard Work Tips for October: Get Your Lawn Looking Its Best This Fall","Style":null,"ExtraField":null,"Id":"68efadcd43172249a62782cf","UserFields":[]},"Body":"

Introduction

October is the heart of leaf season. Lawns are still active, trees are changing fast, and it’s the moment when a little care goes a long way. The key jobs you tackle now—clearing leaves, feeding the lawn, tidying beds—set the tone for a great-looking property through the rest of fall and into next spring. Let’s take a look at the seven top things you can do for your yard and your lawn in October.

1. Clear Fallen Leaves Regularly

Most lawns can tolerate a light layer of leaves, but problems begin when that layer gets thick enough to block sunlight and trap moisture. Over time, the grass underneath can thin out or die off entirely, and those damp, compacted spots can also invite mold and lawn disease.

For many yards—whether it’s a small property with a few big trees or several acres of leaf cover—regular removal is the best way to protect your lawn. Keeping up with the leaves prevents die-off under matted layers and helps any seeding or fertilizing efforts work better, since air and nutrients can reach the soil. A Cyclone Rake makes this easy to stay ahead of, turning what used to be a long cleanup into a fast, single-pass job.

2. Aerate and Fertilize Your Lawn

If you still haven’t aerated this year, October is still a great time to do it. Aeration opens up compacted soil, letting oxygen, water, and nutrients reach the roots — especially helpful after months of mowing and foot traffic. Follow it up with a fall fertilizer to strengthen roots and boost color before the first frost.

Choose a slow-release or nitrogen-rich formula made for cool-season grasses. The combination of aeration and fertilization gives your lawn what it needs to stay healthy through fall and come back strong in spring.

3. Define Lawn Borders

Clean edges along driveways, walkways, and garden beds make a bigger difference than most people realize. They give your property a polished, well-kept look and help prevent grass from creeping into flowerbeds. A sharp, defined border also makes leaf cleanup easier since it’s clear where to stop mowing or vacuuming.

4. Clean Gutters and Downspouts

Leaves don’t just fall on the lawn — they fill gutters too. Clogged gutters can overflow and cause water damage to siding, fascia boards, or even your foundation. It’s best to clear them out a few times during the season rather than waiting for them all to have fallen. While you’re up there, check that downspouts are directing water away from the house and that extensions are secure. 




5. Put Your Leaves to Work: Build or Refresh Your Compost Pile

Leaves are nature’s best resource — they’re full of nutrients and make incredible compost when properly managed. Composting turns what would otherwise be yard waste into a powerful soil amendment for your garden beds, vegetable plots, or even potted plants.

Shredded leaves decompose much faster than whole ones, so if you’re collecting with a Cyclone Rake, you’re already halfway there, as the impeller mulches as you collect. Mix them with grass clippings or kitchen scraps, turn occasionally, and you’ll have garden gold by spring.




6. Plant for Spring Color: Get Your Bulbs in the Ground Now

If you want tulips, daffodils, crocus, or hyacinths brightening your yard next spring, October is the time to plant them. Cool soil encourages root growth without triggering premature sprouting.

Clear beds of fallen leaves first to give bulbs direct contact with the soil, and cover them lightly with mulch to protect against temperature swings. You can also divide and replant perennials now — most will settle in comfortably before the ground freezes.

7. Clean Up Garden Beds and Edges

As annuals fade and perennials go dormant, cleaning out your beds keeps your landscape healthy and neat. Remove spent plants and weeds, cut back perennials that have finished blooming, and spread a thin layer of shredded leaves or compost around the base of shrubs.

This simple cleanup step helps prevent pests and diseases from overwintering in decaying plant matter and ensures your garden is ready to burst back to life in spring.

Conclusion

October is one of those months when a few well-chosen jobs can pay huge dividends in the coming months. Keep up with the leaves, tidy the edges, and put your garden to bed the right way — your lawn (and your future self) will thank you.

 

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If you picked up a new tractor recently, you might notice that your Cyclone Rake no longer connects quite the same way. Don’t worry — getting set up again is quick and easy.

Each tractor model uses its own combination of parts — like the hitch, mower deck adapter, and hose — to connect properly. That’s why we’ve made it simple to find exactly what you need.



Here’s how to get started:

1.  Find your tractor model. Check the ID plate on your mower frame or under the seat.

2. Click here! 

3.  Pick your connection parts. Choose the correct hitch, hose, and mower deck adapter for your new mower.

4.  Add to cart and relax. Your parts ship quickly with clear instructions, so you’ll be back to collecting leaves in no time.

If you’re not sure which parts you need, our team is happy to help. Feel free to reach out to us at any time!

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Introduction


September is the calm before the storm — the storm of falling leaves, that is. The air is cooler, the days a little shorter, and it’s the ideal time to get your yard ready before leaf season kicks into high gear. A little preparation now can save you hours of cleanup later and make the transition into autumn a whole lot smoother. Here are a few simple projects you can tackle this month to stay ahead of the mess.


1.  Start with your tools


Nothing slows down fall cleanup like equipment that isn’t ready to go. Take a few minutes to give your Cyclone Rake a quick checkup: make sure the engine is running smoothly, inspect the impeller for wear, and look over hoses and connections so everything is secure. A little maintenance now ensures your Cyclone Rake and any other tools you may need are in top shape when the leaves really start to fall.

 

2.  Prep your compost bin or pile


Leaves are an incredible resource for making nutrient-rich compost, but only if you’re ready for them. Clear space in your compost area, turn what’s already there, and make sure you’ve got room for the influx of shredded leaves and other fall debris. This way, you’re not just cleaning up — you’re recycling nutrients back into your soil.



 

3.  Check gutters early


Don’t wait until October to deal with gutters overflowing with leaves. Get a head start now by clearing out what’s already there. Best practice is to check and clean gutters regularly throughout the season instead of trying to do it all at once.




 

4.  Mulch garden beds


Adding a fresh layer of mulch around your garden beds in September helps lock in moisture, smother late-season weeds, and give your landscape a tidy, finished look before fall plantings. It’s a small project that pays off with healthier beds and less weeding later.

 

5.  Plant cool-season flowers or veggies


Just because summer is over doesn’t mean your garden has to look bare. September is the perfect time to add color with mums, pansies, and asters, or even grow cool-weather crops like lettuce, spinach, and kale. It’s a quick way to keep your yard looking lively while also extending your harvest.

 

6.  Edge driveways and walkways


Before the leaves fall in earnest, take some time to clean up the edges of your driveway, walkways, and garden beds. A crisp edge not only looks sharp but also makes leaf cleanup faster and easier once the season really gets underway.

 

7.  Consider a Cyclone Rake!

For current Cyclone Rake owners, you already know the difference it makes. For those who don’t have one yet, a lawn and leaf vacuum like the Cyclone Rake can save hours of time and energy. It not only clears large volumes of leaves quickly, but also shreds them into mulch or compost-ready material. That means less hassle for you, and healthier soil for your yard and garden.

September is the month to get ahead of fall, not just react to it. A little prep with tools, composting, and planning can make all the difference when the leaves start to fall in earnest. With the right approach — and the right equipment — you’ll be ready to handle whatever autumn throws your way.



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Compost is that rare thing that is nearly incontestably good, and there’s good reason why gardeners alike refer to it as “black gold.”


The inclusion of compost in your yard hosts a myriad of benefits on a small and surprisingly large scale:

 

·  On a small scale, compost acts as a soil enriching amendment that:

o Reduces the need for chemical fertilizers,

o Increases soil fertility and its ability to retain water (thus reducing the risk of erosion),

o And provides valuable nutrients for your plants while also suppressing diseases.

 

·  On a more macro scale, composting collectively reduces our carbon footprint by:

o Reducing the amount of trash that ends up in our landfills,

o Reducing the amount of pesticides and fertilizers we use (which require fossil fuels to produce and are potentially harmful to consume).

 

It’s a pivotal time in the composting world because those nutrient rich leaves—a fabulous addition to your compost—are on the verge of falling. However, in the composting world, not all leaves are created equal. While most leaves will enhance compost with beneficial nutrients when they break down, others can slow the decomposition process and actually harm your plants when incorporated into your garden.

 

What makes a leaf good or bad for compost depends on its levels of lignin. In the composting world the lower the lignin, the better.

 

So what is lignin, anyway?

 

Think of lignin as a polymer found in the tissues and cell walls of plants. It plays a vital role in transporting water and removing waste in plants and trees. Lignin gives plants, trees, and leaves that “woody” texture, and is the thing responsible for that satisfying crunch when you bite into veggies, like, say, a carrot or a green bean.

 

But leaves with extremely high lignin levels can have adverse effects on your compost. For one, high lignin levels are usually associated with thicker and woodier leaves, which means they take a long time (sometimes years) to break down. Likewise, leaves high in lignin will actually steal the nitrogen away from your compost mix needed to make your plants happy. A good, easy rule of thumb is the thicker and woodier the leaves, the higher in lignin they are, and the worse they are for your compost.

 

Some good leaves for compost = cherry, willow, elm, ash, fruit trees, and poplar.

 

Some bad leaves for compost = beech, oak, ginkgo, eucalyptus, and black walnut.

 

So, how can you prepare? Create a plan!

 

1.  Understand what kind of trees you have. Use a tree identification book or app to help.

 

2.  Compile good compost leaves and bad compost leaves separately. Dispose of bad compost leaves in their own pile, and keep in mind that leaves like beech and oak can often take a few years to decompose, depending on climate.

 

3.  For maximum results and speedier decomposition time, shred your leaves before putting them in compost. If you have a lawn vacuum, this will do the job for you! If you don’t, you can do this by putting the leaves in a sturdy trash can and shredding them with a weed whacker.

 

By choosing the right leaves and following a simple preparation process, you’ll turn yard waste into rich, nutrient-packed compost that benefits your garden and the environment for seasons to come.

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 Introduction

 

As December rolls in, the divide between the North and South becomes clear in lawn care. In the North, winter has often settled in, with fallen leaves either already cleaned up or buried beneath snow. Meanwhile, in the South, leaves may still be falling, and temperatures remain more temperate, keeping lawns active. Whether your yard is dormant or still thriving, this guide will help you care for your lawn in December and set it up for success in the months ahead.

 

Lawn Care in the South



 

In the South, December brings cooler temperatures, but lawns remain more active than in northern regions. While some grasses may slow their growth, tasks like leaf cleanup, occasional mowing, and proactive maintenance remain key to keeping your yard healthy. With milder weather, now is also a good time to address bare patches and prepare for any sudden frosts. Let’s look at the top priorities this December.

 

1.  Continue Leaf Cleanup


Leaves may still be falling in the South, and it’s essential to stay on top of cleanup. Allowing leaves to pile up can block sunlight, trap moisture, and create the perfect environment for pests and diseases. The most effective method of leaf cleanup is a leaf vacuum, such as Cyclone Rake.

 

2.  Monitor Lawn Health


Warmer temperatures mean weeds and pests could still be active. Keep an eye out for intruders like dollarweed or fire ants and address them promptly to protect your lawn.

 

3.  Mow If Necessary


Grass in Southern regions like Bermuda or St. Augustine may continue to grow slowly. Mow sparingly, keeping blades sharp and grass at the recommended height to avoid stress.

 

4.  Aerate and Overseed

If your lawn has compacted areas or bare spots, December is a great time to aerate the soil and overseed. This ensures the grass is strong enough to outcompete weeds when growth resumes in spring.

 

5.  Water Strategically


While watering needs decrease during cooler months, occasional deep watering may still be necessary in dry areas. Always adjust based on rainfall and ensure you’re not overwatering.

 

6.  Protect from Frost

 

In areas susceptible to frost, take precautions by covering sensitive plants or mulching around vulnerable root systems. Simple frost protection measures can often mean the difference of your plant surviving winter or not.

 

Lawn Care in the North

 

In the North, December marks the transition into full dormancy for most lawns. With fallen leaves cleaned up and snow often covering the ground, your focus shifts to protecting your lawn from winter damage and preparing for spring. Properly storing equipment and safeguarding sensitive plants from frost are essential steps to ensure a healthy start when warmer weather returns. Let’s look at the top priorities this December.

 



1.  Store Lawn Equipment Properly

 

With winter in full swing, now is the time to clean and service your lawn equipment. Empty fuel tanks or add stabilizer to prevent clogs, and store everything in a dry place to avoid rust. This step ensures your tools are ready to go when spring arrives.

 

2.  Winterize Your Lawn

 

If the ground hasn’t frozen yet, apply a winter fertilizer to strengthen grass roots for a healthier start in spring. This is especially important for cool-season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass or fescue.

 

3.  Avoid Lawn Traffic

 

Grass that’s dormant or under snow cover can be easily damaged. Minimize foot traffic to avoid compacting the soil or creating dead patches that will need repair later.

 

4.  Inspect for Ice Damage

 

Ice storms can wreak havoc on trees and shrubs, leaving branches scattered on your lawn. Regularly check for damage and prune broken limbs to keep debris from harming the grass below.

 

5.  Protect Sensitive Plants from Frost

 

If you haven’t already, make sure to shield delicate plants from frost. Use coverings like burlap, frost blankets, or even old sheets to provide insulation. Mulching around their base can also help protect root systems from extreme cold.

 

6.  Plan for Spring

 

Winter is the perfect time to evaluate your lawn’s needs. Take note of any areas that struggled during the growing season and research solutions, such as overseeding or adjusting soil pH, so you’re prepared when warmer weather returns.

 

Conclusion

 

Whether your lawn is resting under a blanket of snow in the North or thriving in the temperate South, December is a crucial month to give it the care it needs. It’s the perfect time to wrap up fall maintenance, protect your lawn for winter, and lay the groundwork for a strong start in spring. With the right attention to regional needs, your lawn will stay healthy, resilient, and ready to shine when the growing season returns.

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 Introduction

 

As we head deeper into fall, taking a few essential steps to care for your lawn can make a huge difference. November is the time to focus on keeping your yard clear and preparing it for winter dormancy. A well-maintained lawn now will ensure it bounces back stronger come spring. Here are some top tips to get your lawn ready:

 

1.  Consistent Leaf Removal

 

One of the most important tasks this time of year is regular leaf removal. While a blanket of fall leaves may look picturesque, leaving them to sit on your lawn can suffocate the grass and block essential sunlight, causing it to thin or develop disease. Frequent leaf removal is essential to prevent this—and the easiest way to handle it is with a lawn vacuum, like the Cyclone Rake. Not only does it make leaf removal quicker, but it also picks up other debris, helping you keep a clean, healthy lawn.



 

2.  Adjust Your Mower Height

 

As temperatures drop, grass growth slows down, and there’s no need to keep your lawn as short as you would in summer. Instead, raise your mower height slightly to protect the grass blades from frost damage and insulate the roots. Leaving the grass a bit longer, around 2.5 to 3 inches, provides an additional layer of protection and minimizes the stress your lawn will face during winter.

 

3.  Aerate the Soil

 

If you haven’t already aerated your lawn this fall, November is a great time to do it before the ground freezes. Aeration loosens compacted soil, allowing air, water, and nutrients to penetrate down to the grass roots, which promotes healthier, deeper root growth. Stronger roots will help your lawn withstand winter stress and come back even greener in the spring. For best results, follow up aeration with a light application of fertilizer to give those roots an extra boost heading into the colder months.

 

4.  Apply a Winterizing Fertilizer

 

Applying a winterizing fertilizer with higher potassium content is a smart move for November. Potassium strengthens the lawn's roots, making it more resilient to cold weather, frost, and other winter stresses. Check your fertilizer label for recommended late-fall or winter formulas, and apply it evenly after your last mowing and aeration. This treatment will give your lawn the best chance to emerge healthy and vibrant when spring arrives.

 

5.  Clean Up Garden Beds and Edges

 

November is the perfect time to tidy up garden beds and edges before winter sets in. Trimming back perennials, removing fallen leaves, and cleaning up the edges of your lawn not only gives your yard a neat look but also helps prevent pests from settling in over the colder months. Clearing out this organic debris reduces the risk of mold, mildew, and pests overwintering in your garden beds.

 

Cyclone Rake accessories, like the Power Vacuum Pickup and Estate Vacuum, make this job easier by reaching into garden beds and other tricky spots to clear out leaves and debris quickly. With the right tools, you can efficiently clean up hard-to-reach areas, leaving your garden beds and edges looking pristine and ready for winter.

 

Conclusion

 

Keeping up with these simple November lawn care tasks will help ensure your yard is well-prepared for the winter months and ready to thrive come spring. A little effort now can make a big difference in how healthy and lush your lawn looks next year. With the Cyclone Rake and its range of accessories, leaf removal and cleanup can be efficient and hassle-free, so you can focus on enjoying the season.

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Where you live and how many trees you have are the two things that will ultimately impact what you should do with your leaves. When considering leaf disposal methods, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and homeowners should feel empowered to use more than one disposal method in order to reap maximum benefits from the leaves.

 

Before you begin raking, it’s imperative to check to see if your town offers some sort of leaf pick-up program. Nowadays, many towns have trucks equipped with vacuum rigs that can suck up leaf piles left on the street and take them to a compost facility. This can be an incredibly convenient option—but one that’s likely only available in places that aren’t either highly urban or rural. Similarly, many towns will haul your leaves away so long as they are bagged up. While this may be a decent option for folks with small yards, bagging leaves can be a time-consuming process—and one that may not be the most efficient option if you have a large yard. Let’s take a look at six of the best ways to dispose of your leaves:

 

 

1.  Compost them

 

If you already have a compost pile on deck, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t put at least a portion of your leaves in there. Leaves provide compost with that beneficial “brown material” it needs to thrive. For quicker decomposition results, try shredding your leaves (either with a lawn mower or by placing leaves in a garbage can and shredding them with a weed wacker). Keep in mind, however, that some leaves—like beech, sweet chestnut, and holly—aren’t suitable for compost because of their painfully slow decomposition times.

 

By far the easiest way to compost leaves is through collection with a leaf vacuum, which will save you the hassle of having to blow or rake leaves and haul them away on tarps. Companies like Cyclone Rake provide numerous solutions for this, from small yards to big ones.

 

2.  Mulch into your grass

 

If you have a minimal amount of leaf coverage on your lawn, one option is to use a mulching lawn mower to shred them very finely, letting them decompose directly on your grass. Doing so will provide your grass with beneficial nutrients, but keep in mind: if the leaf coverage is too thick, it can prove detrimental to your grass.

 

 

3.  Use them as mulch

 

Shredded leaves work great as a (free) mulching solution for your garden. A thin, even layer (about an inch thick should do) will both prevent weeds from sprouting up, and also help regulate soil temperature—which is especially important when temperatures start to drop.



 

4.  Leaf Mold

 

Leaf molds—especially for folks with big backyards—is perhaps the most underrated way of disposing your leaves. Essentially, leaf molds act a bit like a compost pile, except they rely only on two ingredients: leaves and water. While it can take a good amount of time for leaves to break down (anywhere from one to three years or so), the result is a compost-like product that can immensely benefit your plants by preventing runoff, improving water retention, and providing beneficial nutrients for your plants.

 

5.  Burn them

 

While this is by far the most exciting option (unless you’re oddly aroused by the aerobic reaction of compost), burning your leaves can be dicey territory. For starters, many towns prohibit it, or, at the very least, require a license to do so. So, if you get a hankering to set your leaves aflame, be sure to check with local ordinances. Similarly—and this perhaps goes without saying—but burning leaves can be pretty dangerous. If you’re dead set on doing this, be sure to have a safe and proper pit to contain the fire, and always have a fire extinguisher on deck.

 



 

6.  Use the woods

 

If you happen to own a property with woods abutting your yard, another option is to simply blow your leaves into the forest. While the leaves will take roughly a couple years to decompose, this represents a good option for those who have the right set up. With just a little extra effort, the woods can be an excellent place to set up a few leaf molding stations.

 

In conclusion, the way you manage your leaves depends on your personal situation—yard size, the resources available in your community, or simply your preference. From mulching and composting to burning or simply using the woods, there’s a solution for every homeowner that allows for easy leaf management.

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Introduction


The onset of fall means pumpkin spiced lattes and sweater weather, but it also brings the inevitable (and often dreaded) task of leaf cleanup. Make no mistake: fast and efficient leaf cleanup is an art, and knowing a little bit about each cleanup method will help you decide the best approach for your yard. In this post, we’ll aim to dissect the three main leaf cleanup methods: raking, leaf blowing, and leaf vacuuming. We’ll lay out the pros and cons of each to help you understand which method is best for you and your property.


Raking


When it comes to easy leaf cleanup, raking doesn’t often come to mind. While it can be great to get outdoors on a crisp autumn day, raking can also be quite labor-intensive. However, it remains a popular method for many homeowners.





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Leaf Blowing


Leaf blowers offer a faster and more efficient way to handle leaf cleanup compared to raking. While leaf blowers are incredibly handy and versatile, they are not without their challenges. Let’s look at the pros and cons of leaf blowing to see if it might be a good option for your yard.




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Leaf Vacuums


Leaf vacuums work by sucking up leaves and debris and then mulching them into a collector bag. It’s worth noting that there are different kinds of leaf vacuums. Smaller yards may benefit from, say, the Classic. Larger yards, conversely, may benefit from larger units, like the Z-10. Regardless, leaf vacuums stand as the most efficient and comprehensive solution for easy leaf cleanup.




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Conclusion


Easy leaf cleanup will depend on your type of yard and leaf coverage. While raking, blowing, and vacuuming each have their merits, the best method for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

Curious to see how a leaf vacuum could transform your yard? Take a look around the Cyclone Rake website, peruse our models, or give us a call at 888-531-7253 (Yes, we are old fashioned like that!)

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