Yes, you can crush fall leaf clean-up this season. Just follow the tips outlined in this blog post. Trust me. The up-coming leaf season will go well for you.
Pyramid problem
It happens every fall. New landscapers blow and rake perfect leaf pyramids. It’s beautiful and unnecessary. It’s also slow. And it drives me crazy. Remember, the goal is to collect leaves from our strata site, get it on a truck and haul it away. At the peak, you might be hauling it away twice a day. Leave perfect pyramids for the Egyptians.
Two-tarp system
Blow and rake leaves into decent-sized piles and use the certified two-tarp system. I picked it up when I worked at a prominent landscape maintenance corporation. It works. So please use it.
- The bulk of your pile goes on the first tarp; kick the bulk on if you have to. If the pile is huge, feel free to put the first tarp right in the middle.
- Tie up the tarp.
- Then the leftovers go on the second tarp.
- Move on to the next pile and continue.
- Rake like you mean it. You should be sweaty.
- Use proper rakes. This is a bad time to take out your 8″ rake.
- Drive around to pick-up tarps or use a wheelbarrow. Don’t be a tarp slave, unless your truck is very near.
Fresh vs. old
Don’t worry about freshly fallen leaves. Enjoy the fall color show instead. You are NOT responsible for removing 100% of the leafiness on site. Remove last week’s older, soggier leaves. The fresh stuff is fine. Get it next week. Unless your boss signed a funny contract.
Avoid wars
Peak volumes of leaves generated by some strata sites can put you under significant pressure. This is especially true for older, more mature sites. Keep it together.
It’s tempting but blowing everything into municipal zones, onto roadways or your competitor’s sites is a big no, no. Act like a pro. Don’t start wars. Unless it’s windy…… If your competitors play dirty, then by all means, make sure it’s a windy day.
Personally, I’m looking forward to fall. You should, too.
