Six ways to battle leaves
There’s no escaping the annual avalanche of autumn leaves. But as pretty as they are, raking them into piles and stuffing them into bags is exhausting work. Here are six handy gadgets to make it easier to get the job done.
BEAR CLAWS
Actually, these lightweight plastic hand rakes are called Leaf Paws, with a row of pointy teeth for scooping up fallen leaves and other lawn debris. Cost: $12.95 at Lee Valley Tools
SPRING INTO ACTION
The Ryobi Collapsible Leaf Bag has a spring frame that folds flat for easy storage. The heavy-duty, reusable bag is puncture-resistant and can hold up to 40 gallons (150 litres). Cost: $4.96 at Home Depot
ON THE MOVE
Lugging hefty bags is hard on the back. Cruise from pile to pile with the Yard Waste Clean Up Bag and Cart by Mark’s Choice. The wheeled cart includes a pop-up bag with a reinforced canvas bottom and builtin rake and broom holders. Cost: $34.99 at Home Hardware
PILE IT ON
For those who compost leaves and grass clippings, the Wheelbarrow Booster allows you to collect maximum loads. Made of strong reinforced tarp material with an elastic cuff, it fits snugly over the rim of the wheelbarrow. Cost: $24.50, Lee Valley Tools
BLOWING IN THE WIND
The Black & Decker 40V MAX Lithium Sweeper/Vacuum packs a lot of power in its lightweight, cordless design without the noise and fumes of gas machines. Also switches easily from leaf blower to vacuum. Cost: $199.99 at canadiantire.ca
GO WITH THE FLOW
Make quick work of shredding wet or dry leaves, pine needles and grass clippings with the Flowtron Electric Leaf Eater, Shredder and Mulcher. The hopper tilts for easy loading, turning 11 bags of yard waste into one bag of mulch. Cost: $218.90 at homedepot.ca