How to Effectively Remove Wet Leaves from Your Yard

Wet leaves can quickly become a nuisance in yards and gardens. As falling leaves accumulate and decompose, they form a dense, soggy mat that smothers grass and creates a slippery mess. Removing these wet leaves takes a bit more effort than dry leaves, but it can be done with some simple techniques.

Here are effective methods for clearing out stubborn wet leaves from your landscape

Use a Powerful Leaf Blower

A gas-powered leaf blower with high air velocity is one of the best tools for tackling wet leaves. The strong concentrated stream of air helps lift and separate the damp leaves. Leaf blowers work best if you have a helper raking and agitating the piles to loosen them up before blowing.

Hold the blower nozzle close to the ground and slowly move it back and forth. Work in small sections starting from one end For very wet, matted leaves, you may need to go over areas several times

Rake and Agitate the Leaves

For small yards, hand raking combined with agitation works well for clearing wet leaves. Use a stiff, sturdy rake with rigid tines that can penetrate the leaf layer.

Rake and lift sections vigorously to break apart the leaves. You can also stomp on piles or stir them with a shovel or hard rake to loosen the compaction. Let the disturbed piles air out for a bit before raking them up again.

Mow Over Leaf Piles

Running a lawn mower over the leaves will shred and chop them into smaller pieces that dry out and decompose faster. This works best if the leaves are not sopping wet. Mow over them using a high setting, bagging or mulching leaves as you go.

You may need to make a few passes to get them finely shredded. Afterwards, rake up and dispose of any remaining leaf bits. Your lawn will emerge freshly groomed.

Use a Power Rake or Dethatcher

Power rakes, also called dethatchers, use stiff tines that dig down and rip into the leaf layer to dislodge them from the ground. Adjust the tine depth setting so they can reach the soil surface. Make crisscrossing passes until leaves are pulled up.

Power rakes work well if leaves are not thickly matted. Rake or blow leaves into piles afterward for removal. This tool also helps remove any remaining leaf debris from the lawn.

Try a Wet/Dry Vacuum

For smaller yards or confined areas, a wet/dry shop vacuum is ideal for sucking up soggy leaves quickly. Use the blower function first if needed to loosen compacted piles before vacuuming.

Work systematically in sections. Empty the vacuum debris tank frequently so suction power doesn’t decrease. A vacuum with a shredding function provides extra leaf volume reduction.

Utilize Tarps for Removal

For moving and hauling away large volumes of wet leaves all at once, tarps offer an easy solution. Rake or blow leaves into piles on top of an open tarp. Once filled, carefully drag the tarp to your disposal spot.

Poly tarps are durable and less likely to rip. Clean off any remaining stray leaves from the lawn using a blower.

Try a Power Grader or Box Blade

Skid steer loaders and tractors equipped with a grader or box blade attachment can quickly scoop and scrape up piles of wet leaves. The sharp edged blade easily penetrates and lifts even heavy, waterlogged leaves with each pass.

deposit them into a dump cart to haul away. This powered equipment makes quick work of major leaf cleanup jobs.

Use Livestock for Removal

Certain livestock like goats, sheep and cattle will readily consume fresh green leaves and dried leaves as forage. After some initial hesitation with unfamiliar foods, they will clean up leaf-strewn pastures handily.

Introduce livestock gradually in small paddocks first. Monitor to ensure they are not ingesting any toxic plants or leaves. Remove uneaten piles as needed.

Apply Compost Accelerators

Special blends of microbial inoculants help speed decomposition of wet leaf piles. Products like compost starters contain helpful microbes and enzymes that break down leaves and plant debris.

Scatter accelerant as directed over dried leaves and work into piles with a rake or let sit. Repeat applications may be needed for large volumes. Over time the leaves will rapidly disintegrate.

Avoid Piling Leaves Against Structures

When removing wet leaves, take care not to pile them flush against structures like homes, garages or sheds. The moisture and decomposing matter could lead to mold, wood decay or insect damage over time.

Rake leaves a few feet away into piles before transporting off site. Never push massive piles right up against house foundations.

Work During Optimal Weather

Ideally, tackle wet leaves on dry sunny days when leaves have had a chance to dry out somewhat. Avoid trying to remove soggy saturated leaves immediately after rains, as they will be heaviest and stick together stubbornly.

Schedule small segments over multiple days if needed. Letting leaves partially air dry makes removal much easier.

Thick layers of wet leaves can quickly accumulate in yards and smother lawns after a season of heavy leaf fall. With some diligent raking, mowing and blowing, you can reclaim your yard and gardens. Follow these handy techniques for clearing out piled up wet leaves quickly and efficiently.