The fall is one of the best seasons on the calendar. The summer heat transforms into a cool breeze, leaves turn into different colors, and there is always something nice on TV. However, this season is also synonymous with the shedding of leaves. Failure to deal with the leaves can ruin your lawn come spring. Raking is the preferred way to get rid of the piling leaves. But it has its fair share of hazards. Keep reading to find out the top five tips for raking leaves this autumn.

Wear Gloves

Your choice of clothing might seem insignificant when raking, but it plays a big part. Before you get out there, try to dress the part. Wear sturdy gardening gloves with grip material to help keep hold of the rake during the job. Loose and breathable gloves are a better choice as they prevent blisters.

Take Antihistamines

The piling leaves during fall are known to bring allergens like ragweed and mold. However, if you have fall allergies, getting the job done is a bit risky. A bite from the wrong insect could be problematic. Take precautions by taking your antihistamine before you start raking. It's better to be safe than sorry.

Wear Long Pants

Venturing onto your lawn is not always well received. There's bound to be bites and scratches. Long pants will keep your legs protected from bites and the sun. You can also add eyewear if you plan to work near trees on a windy day.

Wear a Mask if You Have Allergies

Working outside exposes you to airborne allergens; different particles get caught up in the blades of the lawnmower, which increases the risk. Unlike indoors where you can use air purifiers, this option is not viable outdoors. Exposure to allergens can trigger allergies and aggravate your asthma attacks in the process. The good news is that you can protect yourself by wearing an allergy mask. In addition to allergens, the mask will protect you from chemical fumes, smoke, and dust particles while you are working with your lawnmower. For maximum protection you need to buy the right mask. Apart from the fit, you also need to look at vital features like filtration, filter life, and valves. The choice depends on how long you expect to use it.

Stop When Tired

Raking leaves requires repetitive motion. It can take its toll on your back and arms. Warming up and keeping proper form helps reduce strains and injuries. However, it would be best if you still listen to your body. You don't need to power through the entire yard. Take regular breaks to catch your breath. Stop every 15 minutes to rest and drink some water.

Hopefully, these tips help you clean your yard this fall without a problem. Raking leaves doesn't have to be an uphill task. With these tips, raking can be safe and fun. The key is to pace yourself.

By now, most of the leaves have finally fallen off of your trees. Now you're faced with the tremendous undertaking of cleaning them and removing them from your yard. Leaf raking is less onerous if you have the right tools for the job. Here are four types of tools to pick up today so that your leaf raking project will go as quickly as possible.

1. Leaf Bag Holder

There's nothing more annoying than having your rake full of leaves only to have your lawn bag collapse shut right in front of you. A leaf bag holder keeps the lawn and leaf bag in an upright and open position. If you're raking the leaves all by yourself, one of these tools is essential. It acts as an extra pair of arms so that you can get every leaf from the rake into the bag. These holders are usually made of plastic, and they fold flat for efficient and easy storage.

2. Lawn Mower Shredder

It's impossible to collect every leaf from your yard. Inevitably, some of your neighbor's leaves will blow into your yard as soon as you finish raking your property. Consider a lawnmower shredder attachment for leaves. This attachment can be put onto your riding lawn mower. It shreds the leaves along with grass clippings. It's a great choice for using at the end of the season. For the best results, rake the majority of your leaves, then install the lawn mower leaf shredder. Use it to mow the leftover leaves. If you have a bagging attachment, the shredded leaves will go directly into it. Pour the leaves into the lawn and leaf bag held in place with your bag holder.

3. Lawn Mower Bagger

A lawn mower bagger makes quick work of leaf and lawn clippings. The bagger can be attached to a push mower or a riding mower. Made of reusable and washable material, the flexible bag can hold about as many leaves as a lawn and leaf bag. Once it's full, you can pour its contents into a yard waste container and continue mowing your lawn. You can use a lawn mower bagger every time you mow the grass.

4. Plastic Tarp

If your yard has areas where you can't mow, you'll benefit from a plastic tarp for carrying the leaves. A tarp is especially helpful in areas of your yard where you can't easily place a lawn and leaf bag or other yard waste container. Choose a plastic tarp with built-in handles. Each side of the tarp should have two handles. Using a tarp to carry leaves from a corner of your yard to a yard waste collection container is easier if you have another person to give you a hand. After using the tarp, wash it with your garden hose. The tannins and other compounds in the decomposing leaves release acid that can stain the tarp and damage the plastic fibers if they're left there throughout the winter.