That leaf clean up chore sneaks up on you and builds up fast, doesn’t it? A light layer of leaves can be harmless, but let it build and you’ll end up with a soggy mat that smothers the grass, clogs drains, and leaves bare spots come spring. If you’re well prepared, this doesn’t have to be a back breaking chore.

Most people end up asking the same thing: what’s better? Mulching, raking, or blowing?

The honest answer is that each has a time and place. The trick is knowing when to use which.

Mulching: The Easiest Win for Most Lawns

I preach this a lot because it seems like it’s slept on or just completely ignored. Mulching your leaves is often the easiest answer, and is free fertilizer for your lawn.

If your mower has a sharp mulching blade, you’re already set. Dry leaves shred down into fine pieces that settle into the soil and feed your lawn. No bags, no piles, no hauling to the curb.

It only works if you keep after it. A foot of wet leaves won’t mulch. But if you mow once or twice a week during peak drop, the leaves disappear into the grass and do some good. Highly recommend this approach.

Gear I trust:

• Mulching mower blade — tougher and sharper than what most mowers come with. Keep in mind you need to match the size and style to your mower. The ones I’ve linked to have many options and are highly rated.
• Mower with a solid mulching deck — dependable enough to last more than a couple seasons. There are gasoline fueled mowers, battery mowers, smart autonomous mowers, zero-turn mowers, etc. The push mower I’ve linked is a good basic mower that’ll get the job done, but you may have other options! I’ll do a write up on this soon.

Raking: Simple & Quiet

There’s nothing fancy about a rake, and you don’t need to waste money on a gimmicky plastic one either. Buy a solid rake, put in the work, you get a clean lawn. It’s slow compared to mulching, but you’re in control. And if you’ve let them pile up too much for mulching, this might be a necessity.

For small yards or for people who like the exercise, raking is still a straightforward (and quiet) answer.

Gear I trust:

• Steel tined leaf rake with a hardwood handle — sturdy and easier on your back than cheap plastic.
• Leaf scoops — make bagging faster when the piles are high.

Blowers: When You’ve Got a Lot of Ground to Cover

A blower moves leaves faster than anything else. If your property is big or the tree cover is heavy, it’s worth it. Corded models are fine for small spots, but they limit you. Battery blowers are easier to use but can run out before the job’s done. Gas blowers are loud, but they’ll clear a yard in a fraction of the time.

Gear I trust:

• Makita 18V X2 Cordless Blower — lightweight, part of a battery system that’s worth investing in. If you’re working with a small to medium space, this will work for you. Not as powerful as a gas blower, but easy and dependable.
• Stihl BR 350 Backpack Blower — a dependable gas option if you want serious clearing power.

What Works Best

I use a mix. I mulch whenever I can, rake when I want it clean, and pull out the blower if the trees overwhelm me. You don’t need every tool, but having at least two options makes the work easier.

If you’re just getting set up, start with a mulching mower, add a solid rake, and see if a blower makes sense for your yard. That combination will carry you through the season without burning you out.

Check out my high level fall gear roundup!

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