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Bagging autumn leaves may feel like a task, but there are tricks to make it more manageable. Photo by Herman Bresser/Getty ImagesImportant Points
- To make leaf bagging simpler, use a mulching mower to mow over the leaves, turning them into mulch.
- For quicker bagging, rake the leaves onto a plastic sheet and funnel them into bags, or use a leaf scoop to make the process easier and reduce physical effort.
- Think about leaving some leaves beneath trees and shrubs to naturally decompose, enriching the soil and cutting down on the need for extra mulching in spring.
Collecting autumn leaves can feel like a never-ending task. Here are some tips to make it a little more manageable. First, gather (or leave) the leaves:
- Mow directly over the fallen leaves. While mowing your lawn, mow the leaves too, then bag them along with the grass clippings. If you have a mulching mower, the leaves can become mulch for next spring.
- Use a leaf blower to knock leaves off hard-to-reach places, like your roof.
- Save some effort and money by leaving certain leaves under trees and shrubs, where they will decompose and enrich the soil. This way, you won’t need as much mulch for your plants in the spring.
- Rake leaves into piles to bag them. You’ll probably need to gather most of the leaves by hand using a rake. When buying a rake, choose one with wavy teeth that prevent dirt and leaves from sticking.
After gathering the leaves into piles, it's time to bag them:
- A quick way to bag leaves is by placing plastic sheeting on the lawn and raking the leaves onto it. Then use the sheet as a funnel to pour the leaves into a garbage or lawn bag.
- You can also use a leaf scoop, a lightweight tool that allows you to pick up large batches of leaves in one go. Just empty the scoop into your lawn or trash bag.
- Trash funnels can also make bagging leaves easier. These lightweight aluminum frames hold your garbage bag open, and they can even be laid down sideways, so you can rake directly into the bag.
