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The Best Way to Clean Up Leaves
The Best Way to Clean Up Leaves. The leaves that keep trees looking lush and lovely can quickly make your pristine lawn look like an unsightly mess. These leaves fall from the tree's branches and cover the ground with a layer of decaying vegetation. Raking leaves may seem like a simple chore but performing this task improperly could strain and...
The leaves that keep trees looking lush and lovely can quickly make your pristine lawn look like an unsightly mess. These leaves fall from the tree's branches and cover the ground with a layer of decaying vegetation. Raking leaves may seem like a simple chore but performing this task improperly could strain and cause harm to your body. With the correct tools and precautions, you can prevent injury to your back and body while keeping your lawn looking its best.
Things You'll Need
Lawn rake
Clothing
Gardening gloves
Water
Garbage bags
Pick the proper rake that feels that most comfortable when you hold it. Wear appropriate attire for the temperature. When raking, your body temperature will rise several degrees and if you wear clothing to thick or heavy, you may begin to overheat. In addition, wear gardening gloves to protect your hands from blisters or sores.
Warm your body and muscles up before raking the leaves. You can accomplish this by stretching or walking around your lawn for several minutes.
Place both hands on the handle of the rake. Keep your hands as far apart as possible without causing your back to hunch over. During the raking process, keep your back straight, do not twist your back and rake to one side of your body.
Sweep several leaves into a small pile. Switch raking sides -- if you're raking on the left, switch to the right -- and sweep several more leaves into a another small pile. Repeat this process until you have raked all leaves into several small piles.
Prevent strain to your muscles by resting every 20 minutes and keep drinking plenty of liquids so you do not dehydrate yourself.
Pick up the small piles of leaves up by bending at your knees and grasping the pile. Discard the leaves in a garbage bag or compost pile. Continue in this manner until you removed all leaves from your lawn.
Tips & Warnings
Only rake dry leaves.
