Post-Storm Clean-Up Hack: Let Your Lawn Mower Do the Heavy Lifting
Been through a rough thunderstorm, tropical storm, or hurricane? Then you already know the chaos that comes after—leaves everywhere, twigs, branches (big and small), fronds, and maybe even those annoying catkins if you’re in that season. It’s like Mother Nature just dumped a yard sale on your lawn. But don’t stress—we’ve got a solid hack for the clean-up process that’ll save your back and your trash bags.
This one’s for the folks who own a lawn mower and love a good DIY solution.
Step One: Suit Up, It’s Bug & Snake Season
First things first—before you do anything, gear up. Long sleeves, pants, boots, gloves, and maybe even a neck gaiter. Why? Because the second you start disturbing those cozy debris piles, the mosquitos will come out like they’ve been personally waiting for you. Also, it’s snake season after a storm—don’t forget that little tip from our other post. Don’t let your clean-up turn into a wildlife encounter.
Step Two: Do a Yard Recon
Walk your yard. Look for overly soggy spots that could bog down your mower. Pick up any big branches, trash, or things that definitely shouldn’t go under your blades (we’re talking non-biodegradable stuff or anything metal/plastic). What you’re left with is the typical mess—leaves, palm fronds, twigs, and whatever else the wind decided to redecorate your yard with.
Now… cue the hack.
Step Three: Fire Up the Mower, Baby
Forget the rake. Forget the endless garbage bags. You’re going to use your lawn mower to clean all this up.
⚠️ Quick note: This may dull your blades a bit, but if you’re reading a post about DIY yard prep, we’re guessing you either know how to sharpen blades or don’t mind dropping them off for a tune-up later. Trust us—it’s worth it.
Drop your blade one setting lower than usual to make sure it catches everything. If you’ve got a mulching kit? Even better. Start mowing like normal. You’ll be shredding up the debris and giving your grass a trim all in one go. Got a riding mower? Lucky you—crack a cold drink and enjoy the ride.
Bonus: All that shredded organic matter? It’s like a free fertilizer boost for your lawn. Compost vibes.
Step Four: Handle the Curbs Like a Pro
Now that the lawn looks solid, you’ve probably got debris clogging your curbs and driveway edges. Don’t reach for the rake just yet. Instead, lower your mower blade to the lowest safe setting (make sure it’s not scraping concrete), attach a bag, and use your mower like a vacuum. Zip along the edges and suck it all up.
Once the bag’s full? Spread it back out into the yard as mulch or compost. That way, it feeds your grass instead of rotting in a garbage bag that won’t get picked up for three weeks.
Why This Hack Works
✅ Saves hours of time
✅ No aching back or sore arms from raking
✅ Reduces yard waste and trash pile-up
✅ Gives your grass a nutrient-rich boost
✅ Makes you feel like a storm clean-up boss
Final Thoughts
Clean-up doesn’t have to be a three-day ordeal. With a good mower and a little prep, you can turn post-storm chaos into a quick afternoon project. So next time the skies clear and the ground dries up, don’t dread the mess—just mow it down.
