Rake Smarter, Not Harder
Raking
leaves might seem simple, but doing it the wrong way can leave you sore, or worse, injured. To protect your back, use a rake with a handle long enough so you’re not stooping. Stand upright, bend at your knees (not your waist), and switch sides often so one shoulder isn’t doing all the work. Think of it like pacing yourself on a walk rather than sprinting. A little strategy can also make raking easier.
Rake with the wind, not against it.
Start in small sections instead of trying
to corral the whole yard at once.
Skip the endless bending by pulling a tarp along with you. Just rake the leaves onto the tarp and drag it to the curb or compost pile in one trip.
Don’t forget, raking doesn’t have to be a solo mission. Get the whole family involved. It can turn into a leaf-jumping, laughter-filled afternoon.
Or invite a friend over and make it social. You can always return the favor by helping with their yard next week. With teamwork, what once felt like a big job becomes a fun seasonal tradition.
Did You
Know?
Mulching leaves, if your mower has this capability, isn’t just easier; it’s healthier for your lawn. As the shredded pieces decompose, they return nutrients like nitrogen to the soil, improve its structure, and even help suppress weeds. Just be sure to mow the leaves into small bits, if you choose this option, so they don’t smother the grass.
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