3 Ways to Clean Up Wet Leaves

With the leaves having fallen and winter approaching, now is a good time for homeowners to clean their yards before colder, snowier weather arrives. Wet leaves, whether from autumn rain showers or cooler, damper conditions, can be trickier to clean up. Here are three ways to do it, according to Lawnstarter.  

1. Try a Leaf Blower 

Leaf blowers can make quick work of cleanup, but blowing away wet leaves can be more of a challenge. For those up for it, Lawnstarter recommends using a leaf blower with an airspeed of at least 190 MPH and an air volume of 500 CFM or higher. 

Keep the blower angled slightly downward and go over the same area multiple times to free wet leaves from the ground. Pro tip: when leaf blowing wet leaves from flower beds, use a lower setting and leave behind a layer of leaves. This protects and feeds the soil during the winter. 

2. Choose a Clog-Free Rake 

No leaf blower? No problem. It might take longer, but for those without leaf blowers (or those with smaller yards), a rake will still do the trick. 

Opt for a metal, clog-free rake and work in small sections using short, even strokes. Since wet leaves are heavier, avoid pulling large clumps at once. Use a rubber rake on delicate surfaces like decks and patios. 

3. Mow and Mulch 

Lawnstarter notes that homeowners can mow wet leaves if they do it carefully. Avoid mowing thick leaf layers, which can bog down the mower. Mowing the leaves and mulching them on the lawn (instead of collecting them in bags) can benefit the lawn throughout the winter. 

Set the mower blades to maximum height and mow back and forth as usual. Make one or two passes until leaf pieces are small enough to disappear into the grass.