What is the easiest way to clean up hedge clippings after you're done?

Question

I usually take a small rake and gather all the clippings, but that usually picks up my pine needle mulch as well. I was thinking a lawn vacuum or blower like the Black & Decker one, but I think that might make a mess.

Answer 1

yea that would you'll have pine needles all over theres only one tried and true way pickem up by hand or do small sections at a time and clean it up as you go it might take longer but at least you wont have to worry bout raking up all your mulch

Answer 2

well what i do is use my lawn mower without the bag on to mulch the clippings into the lawn. this will decompose and help your lawn look more beautiful. if your hedges arent near your lawn it is a good activity for the neighborhood children to come and help you. not only do they have fun but you have fun and the work gets done. sometimes the kids are even better at cleaning than i am and i find my yard spotless. and they always love running through the sprinklers after helping you. alternately you can get a vacuum or a blower but like you said it will make a big mess. i did that for about 3 weeks before i went into the home depot to see what they suggested. if your really puzzled you can email the landscaping guy from the tv show this old house. http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/tvprograms/asktoh

Answer 3

We have a big tarp we use for lawn chores. For a hedge, we lay down the tarp along the base of the bushes, and let the clippings drop. Once we've reached the end of the tarp, we fold it over and drag out to the compost.
This makes cleanup much easier and prevents us from disturbing the mulch.

Answer 4

What kind of hedge is it, coniferous, or deciduous? If it is coniferous, it will be really good to some plants, but others don't like it. It has acids in it that are good for most plant. Here is what I do with all my clippings, including cut grass. I just put it around any flowers or shrubs you have, then put mulch on top if the clippings. It will keep the weeds down, it will be better for your plants. Good luck.

Answer 5

I had this problem for years then I finally got the idea to lay newspapers down before trimming and when finished I just picked up parers and clippings all together. Hope this helps, it really saves a lot of time and mess.

Answer 6

I use old bedsheets like a dropcloth. Lay the sheet on the ground before pruning. Once it is full pick it up and take it to the compost pile. Old sheets are lightweight, they store easily and are, best of all, free! :)

Answer 7

The rake is best to do/use. Have a wheel barrel to cart the debri away.

Answer 8

my husband lays a large sheet of plastic or dropcloth around the hedge then just drags it to the garbage can

Answer 9

pay the neighbor boy