Fall is approaching, which can mean various things. The scenery becomes splattered with bright red and orange colors as the leaves change, the temperatures start to decline, wearing sweaters and hoodies will be socially acceptable again, and it also means that yard work and maintenance will pick up!
Don’t break your back or any other body part this fall trying to maintain your home. In this article, we’ll take a look at some tips and tricks when it comes to safely cleaning up leaves from your yard and how to safely get those gutters cleaned out.
Cleaning Gutters Safely
Not many of us find enjoyment out of cleaning out gutters, but unfortunately it is a mandatory chore that comes with home ownership. If this is a task that you are not hiring out and completing yourself, there are a few things you want to ensure throughout the process.
- Inspect your ladder — It may seem simple but choosing the right ladder is crucial, make sure the ladder is structurally sounds and in good condition, check for missing, loose or broken parts, rust, ensure that the rungs and the side rails are secure. If you find damage or the ladder is extremely worn, you should replace the ladder.
- Grab a Friend — Having a helping hand is just as important as choosing the right ladder. Make sure you have someone you can trust to help steady the ladder by holding the base. Remember, residential yards don’t always have the best ground for stability. Having someone holding the ladder can really help keep you from falling. If you have the option to use an extension ladder that will go above the gutters this is preferred or the use of stand-offs can help keep your ladder in place.
- Bring your Tools — Make sure you wear gloves. Leaves and other debris can cause irritation or even injuries such as cuts and scrapes. Also having a scoop or a garden hose handy can be helpful to clear out stubborn impacted debris build up.
- Know your Limits — If you have a two-story house, it can be very dangerous to clean gutters out yourself. Saving money by doing it yourself can be tempting, but no amount of money is worth you falling from a ladder two stories high. A high roof or even a complex roof is in better hands with a company who is trained and equipped to handle the climb.
Leaf Clean Up
After you’ve cleaned your gutters, you’ll likely need to move on to clean up of the rest of the leaves in the yard. If removing leaves from your yard is another chore you will have to complete this fall, keep these safe working tips in mind:
- Start by determining what you will use to clean up the leaves, a rake, leaf blower, tarp, or all of the above?
- If you have a smaller yard, raking is a simple way to remove leaves, use a wide rake for lawns and invest in an ergonomic rake that has a lightweight design.
- Divide your yard into sections and create multiple piles of leaves- this will be easier to manage and easier on your back.
- If you have a large yard or you want to save time, use a leaf blower or leaf vacuum.
- Inspect the equipment before you use it, ensure that controls, parts and safety devices are in good working order.
- Do not use a leaf blower unless bystanders are at least 50 feet away.
- Do not use gas leaf blowers indoors or in poorly ventilated areas.
Any time you are doing chores, yard work or working with equipment, make sure you plan ahead. Inspect not only your equipment but the area you will be working in for any hazardous conditions. In our yards we need to look out for hazards such as insects, irritating vegetation (poison ivy/oak), uneven or sloped surfaces, holes, slip hazards that wet leaves can create, and trip hazards that leaves could be covering.
What are your tips and tricks for easier fall clean up?
Fall yard clean up may not be the most exciting thing that comes with the season, but it helps keep your yard beautiful and easier to maintain throughout the year.
Remember, a healthy lawn makes a happy homeowner. And homeowner that works safely, makes a healthy lawn.