Tips for Effective Leaf Raking

As leaves begin to fall from the trees, the prospect of raking can feel overwhelming. However, with the right approach, you can turn this chore into a manageable and dare I say enjoyable task. Here are some updated best practices for effective leaf management to keep in your back pocket as we approach the outdoor cleanup season. 

1. Timing Your Raking

Some people like to wait until all the leaves have fallen, while others tackle their yards over the course of a few weeks to avoid the bulk. Monitor both your trees and local weather conditions to choose the optimal time. We’ve had a very dry season so leaves are light, but a big rainfall will change that, so be mindful of the forecast.

2. Select Appropriate Tools

Invest in high-quality rakes, such as leaf rakes or adjustable rakes, to enhance efficiency. For larger areas, consider a leaf blower to save time. Leaf claws and leaf sweepers can facilitate easier collection of leaves. A tarp can also be very helpful to avoid having to pick up in bags and barrels. 

3. Plan Your Strategy

Before you start, determine where to pile the leaves and the most efficient route through your yard. Generally, raking from the outer edges towards the center is effective but it depends on your yard size and shape. 

4. Use Proper Raking Techniques

Employ smooth, steady motions to gather leaves. Avoid abrupt movements to reduce strain on your back and arms. Maintain good posture, take short breaks, and keep your shoulders relaxed to minimize fatigue. Gloves are a great idea to protect your hands from blisters and sharp, hidden objects. 

5. Choose a Disposal Method

Decide between bagging the leaves or using a mulching mower. Bagging provides thorough removal, while mulching enriches your lawn as leaves decompose. Select the method that best fits your yard and preferences. 

6. Dispose of Leaves Responsibly

Ensure proper disposal of collected leaves. Many municipalities offer curbside pickup or designated drop-off locations for yard waste. If composting, make sure leaves are free of debris such as sticks and branches.

7. Engage with Neighbors

If raking becomes too strenuous, consider reaching out to neighbors or local community groups for assistance. Many young people are eager to help for a small fee. If using a professional company, don’t wait until the last minute to contact them as many will be booked weeks in advance. 

8. Maintain Your Tools

After raking, clean and store your tools properly to prolong their lifespan. Keep rakes dry and clean, and ensure gas-powered equipment is maintained and stored safely.

Bob O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell Bros, Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro”. All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O'Donnell Bros, Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only. 

A Fall Maintenance To Do List

As the days get shorter and outdoor projects become harder to tackle, now’s the perfect time to take care of a few key tasks before the colder weather sets in. Here are my top five tips to prepare your home for fall and winter.

1. Clear Those Gutters Falling leaves are just around the corner, and they’ll quickly clog your gutters and downspouts. If you've been thinking about installing gutter guards, now’s the time! These will prevent debris buildup and spare you the hassle of frequent clean-outs. Clean, functional gutters are essential to channel water away from your home and avoid potential damage.

2. Check Your Doors Stiff, hard-to-open doors are a sign that cooler temperatures are already having an effect. As the weather shifts and wood contracts, gaps can form, allowing cold air to seep inside. Make sure your door sweep is in top shape, and consider adding weather stripping to seal any cracks between the door and its frame.

3. Assess Your Insulation Many homes I visit are under-insulated, which creates discomfort in both winter and summer. Adequate insulation helps maintain a steady temperature throughout the house. If your second floor is consistently warmer than the first, it’s a good indication that your home could benefit from more insulation.

4. Inspect Your Roof Now is an ideal time to check your roof for any damaged shingles or issues around the chimney flashing. Snow lingers on roofs far longer than rain, making it easier for leaks to develop during the winter. Addressing small roof problems now can prevent larger, more expensive repairs later.

5. Evaluate Your Windows Using a thermal camera, I often find homes losing a lot of heat through old wood sash or aluminum windows. Replacing them with energy-efficient vinyl windows can make a noticeable difference. And the added bonus? Many vinyl windows come with tilt-in sashes for effortless cleaning, which we love at my house.

6. Get Your Hot Water Heater Tuned It’s not an outside project but if your hot water heater isn’t working when you need it, it’s going to make life very uncomfortable. Make an appointment now to have your systems flushed and inspected before the season gets too busy, or DIY it if you’re comfortable doing the work. Either way, don’t wait until it’s too late.

Owning a home means regular upkeep, but it’s an investment that pays off in comfort and energy savings. By taking a few simple steps now, you can enjoy a cozier home this winter—and keep those utility bills in check.

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company founded in 1975. Have questions? Email info@odonnellbros.com with “Ask the Pro” in the subject line. All inquiries may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Gutter Maintenance for Fall

It may only be September but leaf maintenance season is right around the corner. Over the next two months, leaves, branches, and other debris will begin falling onto your roof and down into your gutters, building up over time. As winter approaches, this buildup can contribute to the formation of ice dams, a heavy mass of ice that settles onto the edge of your roof where the gutters are installed.

The main function of a gutter is to create a pathway for water to move away from your home and through a downspout to deposit in a safe place away from your home’s foundation. This system is vital to a house; it makes sure water can flow freely and not cause leaks in your roof, attic, and walls. But if your gutters are blocked up, the water has nowhere to go and will flow over, creeping up into your roof shingles and down through your siding. This kind of damage is both costly to repair and entirely preventable. 

To give your gutters a good clean you’ll need a ladder, a lawn bag or bucket, a small hand rake (or scoop) and a hose. Don’t be tempted to spray debris down the downspout with water; it’s likely that branches and leaves will get stuck inside, clogging it up and leaving you with a whole new mess to deal with.  Start at the downspout opening and work your way backward, collecting gunk away from the downspout and disposing it into your bucket. Work in small sections and don’t let your bag get too heavy – it could throw you off balance and land you in the emergency room. 

While you’re making your way around the house, check for any gutter damage, such as sections coming loose. You want to make sure you get those fixed while the weather is good. Once you’ve finished cleaning, you can give each section a good spray with the hose to check and make sure the water is running through and you don’t have any hidden build-up in those downspouts.

If gutter cleaning is a job you’d rather not take on, hire a contractor to complete the maintenance and then speak to them about putting gutter guards on your home. These wire or mesh overlays are installed on top of the gutter and prevent debris from entering the channel in the first place. They offer a great solution to a messy job and will provide you with peace of mind for years to come. If you see me around town installing them for homeowners, feel free to say hello and ask any questions you may have. 

Bob O’Donnell is the owner of O’Donnell Bros. Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro.” All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O’Donnell Bros. Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit http://www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.