Leaf Clean Up 2010

For the past few weeks, this is what we see when look out our windows. Our yard has been increasingly covered with leaves. Those big beautiful trees become our nemesis every fall. In the summer, those tall trees, laden with green leaves, offer shade and create a park-like setting.

But once fall rolls around, those leaves start to drop, which means serious leaf clean up in inevitable. The big back yard we love so much is both a blessing and a curse. Why trees? Why?

For a few (many) hours each weekend, we have been working to save our lawn and rid ourselves of, what I like to call, the Red Sea of Leaves.

Here are some photos so you can pity our hard work and be thankful that you don't have as many trees as we do. Or maybe you do? If so, please share your pain.

We use a three step process, in no particular order.

1. Mow

2. Blow

3. Row. As in, rake rows and rows of leaves, then pick them up with your hands or a bucket.

Progress. It really is like the parting of the Red Sea. There's our long lost lawn.   

We filled 25 paper bags and 8 plastic bags. And still didn't finish. Mercy!

These two were no help at all. Just watching us work our tails off.

At the end of the day, you can only do so much. And at least once, you have to fall into the giant pile of leaves you just raked, like a kid.

Every year we say we're going to hire someone to clean up our yard. And every year we stock up on bags and try to tackle it ourselves. There are moments of, "This isn't so bad." Followed by moments of, "This is the worst!" and "Why are there still so many leaves on the trees?!" and "We're never going to get all these cleaned up!" I think we made a valiant effort.

Pretty soon the ground will be covered with snow, and it will be too late. Until the snow melts and reveals the leaves that were left behind. Then it will be time for spring cleanup! The vicious cycle of home ownership.

Anyone want to share your leaf clean up dilemma? Misery loves company.