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Which leaf cleanup tools are best?

The start of the autumn season brings with it a dazzling display of beautiful colors and crisp air. However, fall also means you’ll likely be spending some time cleaning up leaves from your yard.

Regardless of yard size, having the right equipment is necessary for efficient leaf cleanup. Whether you go the old-fashioned route with a rake and tarp or prefer the convenience of a leaf vacuum or mulching mower, several tools can make yard cleanup easier and less stressful.

Best leaf cleanup tools for your yard

Rake

Bully Tools 24-inch Poly Leaf Rake

Bully Tools 24-inch Poly Leaf Rake

The reinforced tines of this rake make it a sturdy choice for all backyards and gardens. The wide 22-inch head is connected to a long 50-inch fiberglass handle, giving you extended reach for large yards or outdoor spaces.

Tarp

Bosmere Yard Waste Tarp

Bosmere Yard Waste Tarp

In general, tarps are a great multipurpose tool, and any type of drop cloth, canvas or poly tarp will be beneficial when dealing with leaves. This UV-stabilized Bosmere polyethylene tarp is explicitly made for yard waste and features strong carrying handles so you can haul leaves, sticks and other debris with ease.

Garden bags

GardenMate 3-Pack 80 Gallon Garden Waste Bags

GardenMate 3-Pack 80 Gallon Garden Waste Bags

Like a tarp, garden waste bags are great for stuffing full of leaves, sticks, grass clippings and more. This convenient 3-pack uses water-resistant and tear-resistant fabric, so you won’t have to worry about punctures or moisture damage.

Wheelbarrow

Best Choice Products Dual-Wheel Yard Wheelbarrow

Best Choice Products Dual-Wheel Yard Wheelbarrow

If dragging or carrying heavy loads doesn’t sound ideal, opting for a wheelbarrow will make transportation much easier. This double-wheeled model offers superior stability and stores easily in a shed or garage when tipped forward onto its nose.

Leaf scoops

GARDEASE ReLeaf Leaf Scoops

GARDEASE ReLeaf Leaf Scoops

Scooping leaves and other yard waste into bags or wheelbarrows isn’t always the easiest when trying to use your hands or the head of a rake. Once you’ve accumulated a decent-sized pile, using these plastic leaf scoops will make finishing the job much easier and more efficient. They also offer an extra layer of protection against any sharp or irritating plants and debris.

Leaf blower

WORX WG520 TURBINE 600 12 Amp Electric Leaf Blower

WORX WG520 TURBINE 600 12 Amp Electric Leaf Blower

While raking and sweeping can be effective in many cases, they can be tedious and time-consuming for larger areas. This affordable electric leaf blower has variable speed controls and impressive power, so you can keep your outdoor spaces neat all year long.

Leaf vacuum

BLACK+DECKER Leaf Blower & Leaf Vacuum

BLACK+DECKER Leaf Blower & Leaf Vacuum

While leaf blowers push air out, leaf vacuums do the opposite, sucking the leaves and other debris into an attached mulching bag. This Black+Decker model is an excellent option for those looking for both tools built into one machine, making cleanup simple no matter the situation.

Lawn sweeper

Agri-Fab 45-0218 26-Inch Push Lawn Sweeper

Agri-Fab 45-0218 26-Inch Push Lawn Sweeper

Great for spring, summer and fall, a lawn sweeper will help you keep your yard spotless and free from unsightly grass clippings or leaf piles. With a capacity of 7 cubic feet, you’ll be able to sweep up sizable amounts of leaves before needing to empty the sweeper.

Agri-Fab 45-0320 42-Inch Tow Lawn Sweeper

Agri-Fab 45-0320 42-Inch Tow Lawn Sweeper

For those who have larger yards and own a tractor or riding mower, this lawn sweeper is a time-saving tool that you can tow from your machine. The lawn sweeper contains a large holding capacity and already includes the trailer hitch pin, so you can start cleaning your lawn from day one.

Gardening gloves

OZERO Leather Work Gloves

OZERO Leather Work Gloves

No matter what type of method you choose for your leaf cleanup, safety is always key. This pair of heavy-duty work gloves are sturdy and puncture-resistant, meaning any sharp sticks or branches won’t scratch you when picking up leaves. Available in sizes ranging from small to extra-large, they’ll fit hands of all sizes.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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