Top 5 Mistakes Homeowners Make When Raking Leaves (and How to Avoid Them)
- Mo Better Lawns
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Autumn in Maryland is beautiful — until your yard disappears under a thick blanket of fallen leaves. While grabbing a rake and getting to work seems simple enough, many homeowners make small mistakes that can lead to more work, lawn damage, or even injury.
At Mo Better Lawns, we’ve seen it all. Here are the top five leaf-raking mistakes and how to avoid them for a cleaner, healthier yard this fall.
1. Waiting Too Long to Start Raking
The mistake: Many homeowners wait until all the leaves have fallen before cleaning up.
Why it’s a problem: Wet, matted leaves block sunlight and trap moisture, suffocating your grass and creating ideal conditions for fungus and pests.
How to fix it: Rake or blow leaves once a week during peak fall season. Smaller, regular cleanups are easier on your back and better for your lawn.
2. Using the Wrong Tools
The mistake: Using an old, bent rake or a blower that’s too weak for the job.
Why it’s a problem: Inefficient tools mean more time and frustration — and can leave behind debris that smothers your turf.
How to fix it: Choose a lightweight, ergonomic rake or a high-CFM leaf blower. For large properties, consider a mulching mower to shred and collect leaves efficiently.
Pro Tip: Our team at Mo Better Lawns uses commercial-grade blowers and vacuums designed to remove leaves without damaging your lawn.
3. Ignoring Safety and Posture
The mistake: Poor raking technique — bending at the waist or twisting awkwardly.
Why it’s a problem: It’s one of the most common causes of back strain and shoulder pain during fall cleanup.
How to fix it: Use your legs and arms together, keep your back straight, and take frequent breaks. Switch sides often to balance the strain.
Bonus: Stretching before and after can reduce soreness, just like any other physical workout.
4. Bagging Everything
The mistake: Bagging every single leaf and sending it to the landfill.
Why it’s a problem: It’s time-consuming, expensive, and not eco-friendly. Plus, you’re missing out on valuable organic material that could benefit your lawn.
How to fix it: Compost or mulch some of your leaves instead. Shredded leaves can act as natural fertilizer, enriching your soil with nutrients over winter.
If you’d rather skip the hassle, Mo Better Lawns can haul away leaves and even recycle them responsibly.
5. Forgetting the Final Pass
The mistake: Doing one big rake and calling it done.
Why it’s a problem: More leaves will fall in the days following, and leftover debris can undo all your hard work.
How to fix it: Schedule a final cleanup after the last big leaf drop — or better yet, book a professional leaf removal service that keeps your property clean through the whole season.
Conclusion: Smarter Leaf Cleanup = A Healthier Lawn
Raking doesn’t have to be a back-breaking weekend chore. Avoiding these five common mistakes will keep your yard cleaner, your lawn healthier, and your fall weekends more enjoyable.
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