Leaf Collection Tips
Deciduous trees may look beautiful in autumn and early winter, but once the fallen leaves cover your paths, driveway or lawn, they need picking up. Choosing the right method to collect leaves depends on the area you’re cleaning, how many leaves have fallen, and the tools you have available.
Here's a practical guide on how to efficiently pick up leaves from your lawn or pathway using a broom, rake, leaf collectors ("big hands"), or a Makita blower/vacuum.
1. Using a Broom and “Big Hands” on Hard Surfaces
When cleaning a path, patio or driveway, a stiff outdoor broom combined with hand leaf scoops (also called “big hands”) can be surprisingly effective. Sweep the leaves into a pile with a firm push broom. Use gloved hands for smaller amounts and leaf collectors for larger piles. Put the leaves into your garden bin.
This simple process is quiet, there is no need for power and works well in tight and paved areas. On the other hand, it is time consuming and may not be effective for wet leaves.
2. Using a Rake and Leaf Scoops for Lawn Areas
If you're dealing with leaves scattered across a lawn, a rake is the traditional go-to tool. A wide, fan-style leaf rake is ideal for covering more ground efficiently. Simply rake the leaves into manageable piles. Pick them up using leaf collectors or “big hands” as we call them at CutAbove Tools. Again, transfer them to your garden bin for disposal.
This is an environmentally friendly way of removing the leaves without affecting your lawn. The rake is normally good for both dry and wet leaves. Again, it is a labour-intensive, time-consuming process.
3. Using a Makita Cordless Blower/Vacuum
We recommend a Makita Blower/Vacuum because that is what we sell at CutAbove Tools. For home, the DUB187 is ideal. A cordless blower/vacuum can save significant time and effort.
Blow leaves into a central pile on walkways and driveways. Likewise rake or blow leaves on the lawn into piles. Change the switch on the Makita to vacuum mode and vacuum the leaves directly into the collection bag. The machine shreds/mulches the leaves to reduce the volume.
Using the Blower/Vacuum is fast and efficient, and great for either hard surfaces or lawns. The blower/vacuum is relatively light at 2.8Kg with a battery, however wheels are provided. The noise level for a battery machine is lower than the petrol equivalent but you will need to make sure your batteries are charged. Again, wet leaves may cause a problem.
Conclusion
Wet leaves are heavier, harder to move, and could be slippery. Thus, it makes sense to work when the leaves are dry. As with all gardening chores it makes sense to wear gloves to protect your hands.
The best method for picking up leaves depends on the size of your property and how many deciduous trees you have. For smaller jobs, a broom or rake with some “big hands” is all you need. For larger properties or more frequent cleanups, investing in a Makita blower/vacuum can drastically cut your time and effort. No matter which method you choose, regular leaf cleanup helps keep your yard healthy and your pathways safe.
