October 26, 2007
Well where exactly should we start since this is our first post here and it is already mid fall, and the leaves are already starting to come down in most places. I guess we will start with leaf clean-ups and do you need to. This all depends on the types of tree's you have around you and how many. In many cases removal is not necessary and running them over with a mower and mulching them into the lawn not only won't harm the lawn but can also do it some good. If you mainly have Oak and Maple tree's around your home, You should have no problems mulching leaves into the lawn as long as their is not so much leaf build up that it chokes out your lawns ability to get sunlight, or water. In many cases it also helps your lawn green up faster in the spring and also provides for a softer surface the following summer providing a cushion that would be more forgiving for persons engaging in physical activity in the area.
Now remember this does not mean mulching a foot of leaves into your lawn is the best option, because the time it would take that amount of debris to decompose you would still have a huge amount of built up leaves in the spring. In this case you would be best off just bagging the majority of them with your mower and putting into your yard waste receptacle and if the idea of the seemingly never ending task of constantly bending over to empty your lawn mower's bag and then dumping them into those little brown yard waste bags that obviously where not meant to handle the abuse of dumping yard waste into them. Ripping to the point where most of the leaves you dumped into it just moments before are now redispensing themselves throughout your lawn. Doesn't Sound like your idea of a good time.
Then I highly recommend calling a local Lawn maintenance company to handle the task for you so you can start worrying about the many other important tasks that overfill your schedule this time of year. Like taking your kids to pick out their Halloween costume, deciding which treats and how much you are going to get for handing out to the many kids that arrive at your door on October 31st, or which family member will be holding the annual Thanksgiving get together and after that deciding who will bring what dish for the meal. Oh yeah lets not forget the countless hours spent shopping for Christmas gifts for family and friends. while trying to keep your sanity trying not to think out about those annoying in laws that are coming to town for the Holidays.
Most of these companies can set you up for either a one time leaf clean-up or a weekly/bi-weekly leaf clean up program. That will keep your lawn its best throughout the Holiday season. Make sure to always get a Licensed and Insured Company to handle your all of your lawn maintenance needs, because you sure don't want the added headache of having to trying to track down that guy Bob you hired to do the leaves when you come home and find most of the leaves are still there and after entering your house try to track down where the cold chill is coming from only to realize your sliding door, or bay window is now thoroughly spread throughout your home along with a nice sized dinged up rock. To add to your Holiday stress you just realized you don't know Bob's last name or even his contact number because you stopped him when he was working across the street at your neighbors.
Remember if you do decide to take on the never ending piles of leaves blowing back in from your neighbors lawn just moments after you finished. Always wear at the minimum a dusk mask to protect yourself from mold and other decaying matter, but preferably a filtered respirator mask. You can usually pick up a good half face mask style cartridge respirator at your local hardware store for around $20-25 dollars.
Also a good pair of leather work gloves and safety/sunglasses to protect your hands and eyes from sharp objects buried beneath the leaves.
We hope this information has helped you in some way and remember if you live in the St. Louis, MO area and have decided you just don't have the time or want to tackle your leaf clean ups on your own. You can always contact us at Dunn's Lawn Service, LLC (314)830-2862 or visit our website at http://www.dunnslawnservice.com
We will be happy to relieve some of that un-needed stress for you.