Fall Yard Cleanup: How to Pick the Right Tools
Falling leaves, shorter days and the first cold snap all arrive at once. A little planning now saves your lawn, your gutters and your back. Here is a quick guide to choosing the right gear for fall cleanup.
Match the tool to the yard size: For small yards, a sturdy rake and a few lawn bags are enough. For a quarter acre or more, a leaf blower or lawn sweeper cuts the job from hours to minutes.
Move debris the easy way: A garden cart or wheelbarrow with pneumatic tires rolls over soft, wet ground without leaving ruts. Pick a load rating with room to spare, since wet leaves weigh far more than dry ones.
Clear gutters safely: Use a ladder rated for your weight plus tools, set it on firm, level ground, and keep three points of contact. Never lean out past the ladder rails.
Protect your hands and eyes: Wear work gloves and safety glasses when blowing, raking or cutting back branches.
Plan storage before the first frost: Drain fuel from small engines or add stabilizer, rinse and dry tools, and hang them off the floor to prevent rust.
Browse garden carts, ladders and outdoor gear in our catalog to get your yard ready for the season.