Autumn is a beautiful time of year, but it can also be a lot of work. The leaves fall off the trees and need to be raked up before they decompose into mush. This article will teach you everything you need to know about autumn leaf removal, including how it works and what tools are needed for the job.
In autumn, nature once again shows its most magnificent side. Golden yellow and red hues dominate trees and shrubs. At the latest when these leaves fall from the plants, the initiative of garden owners is required. If this foliage is simply left unattended on the lawn, yellow spots quickly appear in springtime. With these tips, the lawn will remain grass-green at any time of the year thanks to the lack of leaves.
Why do leaves need to be removed?
Probably only a few people are aware that leaves are subject to a similar obligation to clear as in the case of snowfall. Since leaves must be removed not only from the garden but also from public sidewalks, home or property owners have a duty to do so. In addition, passers-by have a certain amount of personal responsibility and should exercise appropriate caution when leaves are on sidewalks. In general, it does not matter whether the leaves on one’s own property come from one’s own tree or the neighbor’s tree.
Leaf vacuum cleaner quickly and easily removes old leaves
An effective variant for removing leaves is the leaf vacuum cleaner. This device, available in different sizes and designs, effectively supports the removal of leaves and convinces with its easy handling. As a rule, a shredder is integrated into a leaf vacuum cleaner, which shreds the fallen leaves in a few simple steps.
However, it is important that leaf vacuums are not used on larger piles of leaves, under which hedgehogs or other small animals could hide. The danger is too great that the animals could be fatally injured by the leaf vacuum cleaner.
Lawnmowers also remove fallen leaves
An alternative to the leaf vacuum is the lawnmower. Because places on the grass-covered by leaves otherwise turn yellow, a lawnmower also removes fallen leaves on the ground easily and effectively. The advantage of a lawnmower is that the leaves are automatically shredded and mixed with the grass cuttings. This combination forms a good basis for later decomposition on the compost heap. The only prerequisite: in order for a lawnmower not to touch down with its cutting mechanism, the ground should be relatively level.
Remove old leaves mechanically
If garden owners would like to do without technical devices, rake for wet leaves is important to support the removal of leaves. Another option is to sweep away leaves. However, this method is somewhat treacherous, because wet leaves often stick to the ground. An option for this problem is a broom with fixed bristles. If this broom is scrubbed back and forth over sticking leaves, it will dislodge from the ground. But the leaves do not necessarily have to be removed in all cases.
Turning leaves into compost
If there are flower borders or shrubs in the garden, the foliage in their immediate vicinity serves an important purpose. On borders or under shrubs, leaves naturally protect against winter frost and change over the months into valuable compost. Owners of borders no longer have to worry about leaf disposal. Another advantage is occurring nutrients that are created with the formation of the compost.
If you do not have a border in your garden, you can put the leaves in the compost heap without worrying. Mixed with lawn clippings as well as small chopped garden waste, high-quality fertilizer is formed.