Fall is only a couple of months away, and we all know that can make quite a mess in your yard. However, gathering fallen leaves and using them for mulch is a great way to naturally fertilize your lawn.
But what about all the raking, and the task of creating mulch?
It’s actually a lot simpler than you realize!
If you want to avoid the time-consuming task of raking, a quality leaf blower is a great option. Check out this Leaf Blower Guide for some help in making the right choice. Additionally, all you need to turn your leaves into mulch is a lawnmower.
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A Guide to Creating Mulch From Leaves
Once you’ve blown all you leaves into a certain area in your lawn, spread them out in a layer shallow enough for your lawn mower to easily shred them. Make sure you’ve got a bag attached to your mower, to gather the debris.
Now that you’ve gathered several bags worth of shredded leaves, you can simply sprinkle them throughout your lawn and garden. They will begin to decompose naturally, assisting with weed prevention and lawn nourishment.
If you don’t have a garden, but simply want to keep your yard healthy as Autumn sets in, then the job is even easier. Keep the bag off your mower, and just mow right through the fresh bed of dying leaves!
A Guide to Choosing a Quality Leaf Blower
For those who have a significant amount of tree coverage in their front and back yards, it is often necessary to go ahead and gather the leaves. Leaf blowers may be noisy, but they take a fraction of the time you would put in with a rake.
There are several different types to choose from. For more info on the many uses of leaf blowers beyond the obvious, check out this article. Let’s take a moment to explore your options.
Portable Leaf Blowers
Portable leaf blowers are available in 3 different varieties: corded, cordless, and gasoline fueled blowers. Corded blowers will likely need a large extension cord. Some portable blowers are even capable of sucking up leaves, which makes mulching easier.
- Corded blowers are relatively quiet, which makes them a good choice for those living in an HOA or a compact neighborhood.
- Gas-fueled blowers need the same type of gas as your mower- or a mix of petrol and oil. They’re slower than electric blowers, but they’re also more powerful.
- Battery-powered blowers tend to last about 30-45 minutes, and generally run on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
Additional Options for Larger Lawns
- Wheeled leaf blowers are wonderfully effective, but they’re heavy so they work best on flat terrains. They’re typically reserved for very large yards, as they take up a lot of storage space.
- Backpack blowers are incredibly powerful, so they’re a great tool for cleaning out gardens and large yards. However, the motor will be close to your ears so you want to use protection.
Conclusion
Utilizing a leaf blower, paired with the practice of natural mulching, can enhance the health of your yard without the use of harsh chemicals or expensive pesticides. While this article intends to answer your most basic questions, you can read more about how to choose a quality leaf blower that is appropriate for your yard and your intended use.
