Tackle Fall Leaves the Smart Way

If you live in New England, you already know the drill: one day your lawn looks perfect, and the next it’s buried under a crunchy blanket of red, orange, and gold. While a few leaves can add charm, too many can smother your grass, invite pests, and cause slippery walkways. But before you grab the rake and start waging war, there’s a better, smarter way to manage your autumn cleanup.

The Case for Raking (and When to Do It)

When leaves pile up, they block sunlight and trap moisture, creating the perfect environment for mold, disease, and dead patches of grass. That’s why timing is everything. Start raking when about half your trees have dropped their leaves, and again right before the first snowfall. If you wait until every last leaf has fallen, you’ll end up with a soggy, compacted mess that’s harder to remove.

Dry days are your best friend. Wet leaves are heavier, stickier, and can quickly clog your rake. Choose a breezy, low-humidity afternoon, and work in sections so you’re not battling the whole yard at once.

Tools of the Trade

Not all rakes are created equal. A classic 24-inch plastic or poly rake is light, flexible, and easy on the back. Metal rakes are great for tough patches or wet leaves but can tear delicate turf. Some homeowners swear by “no-clog” rakes, which use tines spaced wider apart so leaves don’t stick.

If you want to save serious time, consider upgrading to a leaf blower or a mulching mower. A blower makes short work of large yards, while a mulching mower chops leaves into fine pieces that decompose right into your lawn, creating essentially free fertilizer.

Rake Smarter, Not Harder

Most people make one big mistake: raking randomly. Instead, start along your lawn’s perimeter and work inward, moving leaves onto a large tarp. When the tarp fills, drag it to your compost pile or curbside leaf collection. It’s faster and saves your back from hundreds of bending motions.

Use the wind to your advantage, not against it. Rake with the wind direction, not into it. And if your neighborhood allows curbside collection, check the schedule. There’s nothing worse than finishing your raking marathon only to watch your neatly raked piles blow around for two rainy weeks.

Mulch, Compost, or Bag?

Each option has its perks. Mulching leaves with your mower saves time, enriches your soil, and supports beneficial organisms in your lawn. Composting is another eco-friendly choice - just mix dry leaves with green materials like grass clippings or kitchen scraps for the perfect compost balance.

Bagging, while less sustainable, is sometimes unavoidable, especially if your town requires it. If so, look for biodegradable paper bags rather than plastic. Your local transfer station or public works department likely has them in stock.

Protect Your Lawn and Yourself

Don’t overlook safety and comfort. Wear gloves to avoid blisters, sturdy shoes for traction, and long sleeves to fend off scratches and ticks. Stretch before and after - yes, really - because leaf raking can burn up to 300 calories an hour. Think of it as an outdoor workout with built-in results.

When you’re done, give your lawn one final low-cut mow to keep it neat through winter. It’ll help prevent matting and give new spring grass room to grow.

When “Leaving the Leaves” Makes Sense

Here’s the good news: not every leaf has to go. A thin layer - an inch or less - can actually benefit your lawn and garden beds. It insulates soil, supports pollinators, and provides nutrients as it breaks down. The key is moderation: too many leaves smother grass, too few miss out on the natural benefits.

If you’ve got wooded or low-traffic areas on your property, consider leaving the leaves there entirely. It’s a small but powerful way to support local ecosystems and save yourself a few hours of weekend labor.

Fall cleanup doesn’t have to be a back-breaking battle. With the right timing, tools, and strategy, you can protect your lawn, help the environment, and maybe even enjoy more of the season in the process.

Why Fall Might Just Be Your Garden’s Secret Weapon

Most people think of fall as the time to put the garden to bed - pull the weeds, store the tools, and dream about next spring. But seasoned gardeners know better: late summer and early fall can be the start of a whole new harvest season. With the right timing and a few simple steps, you can enjoy crisp, homegrown vegetables well into the cooler months - even past the first frost.

If your garden’s been looking a little neglected, this is your second chance to make it thrive. Here’s how to get started:

1. Know your frost dates

Your fall garden success hinges on timing. Cool-weather crops need to mature before daytime highs consistently dip into the low 50s. In our region, the first frost usually arrives in mid-October, which means you have roughly six weeks to get plants established. Mark that on your calendar and work backward to plan your planting schedule.

2. Give your plants a cozy cover

Even hardy vegetables appreciate a little shelter. Cold frames are a gardener’s best friend in the fall -  they trap heat, block wind, and extend your harvest. You can buy one at a garden center, build your own with plywood and plastic sheeting, or repurpose materials you already have. For small garden beds, a hinged plexiglass lid works wonders; for bigger spaces, opt for heavy-duty plastic stretched over a simple frame.

3. Invest in your soil’s future

If you’re not planning to harvest this fall, plant a cover crop instead. Cover crops boost soil health, prevent erosion, suppress weeds, and can even feed your soil with nitrogen. Edible options include peas and beans, while clover, rye, buckwheat, and sorghum are excellent for pure soil enrichment.

What to plant now

Fall is prime time for cool-weather champions. Leafy greens like chard, kale, lettuce, and spinach love the chill. Broccoli, beets, carrots, and radishes can handle a bit of frost, while root vegetables like fennel, parsnips, turnips, and Brussels sprouts practically thrive in it. And if you want a sweet treat for later, rhubarb might just become your new favorite fall project.

Even if you decide not to plant this year, keep this guide handy. Come next season, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running and planting for an early, delicious harvest.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visithttp://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Tips for Effective Leaf Raking

As leaves begin to fall from the trees, the prospect of raking can feel overwhelming. However, with the right approach, you can turn this chore into a manageable and dare I say enjoyable task. Here are some updated best practices for effective leaf management to keep in your back pocket as we approach the outdoor cleanup season. 

1. Timing Your Raking

Some people like to wait until all the leaves have fallen, while others tackle their yards over the course of a few weeks to avoid the bulk. Monitor both your trees and local weather conditions to choose the optimal time. We’ve had a very dry season so leaves are light, but a big rainfall will change that, so be mindful of the forecast.

2. Select Appropriate Tools

Invest in high-quality rakes, such as leaf rakes or adjustable rakes, to enhance efficiency. For larger areas, consider a leaf blower to save time. Leaf claws and leaf sweepers can facilitate easier collection of leaves. A tarp can also be very helpful to avoid having to pick up in bags and barrels. 

3. Plan Your Strategy

Before you start, determine where to pile the leaves and the most efficient route through your yard. Generally, raking from the outer edges towards the center is effective but it depends on your yard size and shape. 

4. Use Proper Raking Techniques

Employ smooth, steady motions to gather leaves. Avoid abrupt movements to reduce strain on your back and arms. Maintain good posture, take short breaks, and keep your shoulders relaxed to minimize fatigue. Gloves are a great idea to protect your hands from blisters and sharp, hidden objects. 

5. Choose a Disposal Method

Decide between bagging the leaves or using a mulching mower. Bagging provides thorough removal, while mulching enriches your lawn as leaves decompose. Select the method that best fits your yard and preferences. 

6. Dispose of Leaves Responsibly

Ensure proper disposal of collected leaves. Many municipalities offer curbside pickup or designated drop-off locations for yard waste. If composting, make sure leaves are free of debris such as sticks and branches.

7. Engage with Neighbors

If raking becomes too strenuous, consider reaching out to neighbors or local community groups for assistance. Many young people are eager to help for a small fee. If using a professional company, don’t wait until the last minute to contact them as many will be booked weeks in advance. 

8. Maintain Your Tools

After raking, clean and store your tools properly to prolong their lifespan. Keep rakes dry and clean, and ensure gas-powered equipment is maintained and stored safely.

Bob O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell Bros, Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro”. All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O'Donnell Bros, Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.