Get matched with top brush chipping pros in Lilbourn, MO

The most common alternative is burning the stump first, then dealing with the cinders and ashes. As you can imagine, this option creates fire hazards, especially since roots can burn underground, hidden, for long afterward. That’s why many states and cities have outlawed the use of stump burning entirely. We do not recommend this option as a viable alternative unless you get a permit from the local fire department and practice all safe burning procedures.

Others prefer a more long-term DIY approach of degrading the stump with home mixtures like Epsom salt and vinegar injected directly into it. This may help the stump decay faster, allowing homeowners to dig it out themselves, but it’s still a lengthy process. It usually takes months for a stump to start falling apart with such treatments, and in the meantime, it can be vulnerable to rot, insects, and other problems.

Using a leaf blower is often the easiest way to pick up leaves. It quickly and efficiently gathers leaves into manageable piles, requiring less physical effort than manual raking. Additionally, you can choose to bag the collected leaves or use a mulching mower to break them down into natural mulch, simplifying the cleanup process further.

We always recommend wearing a protective mask when blowing leaves (as well as goggles if possible). Blowing leaves creates a lot of dust, and in many cases that dust contains a bunch of allergens that can make those sensitive very miserable. Even worse, moldy leaves can contain fungi and bacteria that could make humans as animals very sick. Mask up before starting your leaf project, and if anyone is helping you collect the leaves it’s a good idea if they wear a mask, too.

The most effective way to remove leaves is to blow them into piles and then bag them. This is faster and more efficient than raking, although it might not be a good idea to use a blower around delicate plants or mulched flower beds. You could leaf blow the bulk of your yard and then rake around garden beds for a quick and easy fall cleanup.