No, it’s not necessary to remove all the leaves from your lawn—in fact, leaving some behind can be beneficial. While it's important to clear thick layers of leaves that can smother your grass, leaving a light scattering of leaves can help feed your soil while also providing safe winter habitat for pollinators like bumble bees. Leftover leaves will eventually break down, enriching the soil and promoting healthy lawn growth.
The fastest way to rid your yard of pesky stickers or burs is to go mechanical on them with a lawn mower or garden rake. Use a lawnmower with a bagger attachment to avoid spreading the seeds around and causing a bigger issue. If you choose to rake the stickers off the plants, be sure to dispose of them properly. Avoid putting them in with the composting and check local guidelines for disposing of lawn waste.
In general, you can prune up to one third of the height of most shrubs without damaging them. There are a few exceptions to this rule: Pine shrubs, for example, can’t be trimmed below the point of new growth without damaging them.
While a rented dumpster can handle a wide variety of materials, there are significant restrictions on what is allowed. Generally, you can dispose of most non-hazardous household junk, yard waste, and construction debris.
Accepted items typically include:
Furniture, carpets, old linens, and toys
Wood and yard debris
Small appliances and excess trash
Renovation waste like old finishes, building debris, and roofing materials (unless they contain lead paint or asbestos)
However, you cannot put toxic, flammable, or hazardous materials in a dumpster. Prohibited items almost always include:
Paint, gasoline, oil, and other fuels
Household cleaners and other chemicals
Electronics, batteries, and tires
Refrigerators, hot water tanks, and medical waste
Since regulations can vary by location and company, it is essential to check with your dumpster rental provider for their specific list of accepted and prohibited items before you begin.
If you have a lot of trees around your home, mulching all those leaves can smother the lawn. Air and light won't reach the grass and soil if too many leaves have been mulched. Turf grass and other lawn problems can arise if the weather is too wet and excessive leaves have been mulched.
The Pleak, TX homeowners’ guide to brush chipping services
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
The cost of a tar and chip driveway falls between gravel and asphalt. Is this unique process the happy medium you've been looking for? Let's take a look.
If your painted deck is less than appealing, it's time for a refresh. DIY your paint removal from your deck to enjoy your outdoor space for many seasons.