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The sound of leaves crunching on the ground outside your home may seem tranquil, but the mess piles up quickly. Fortunately, there are plenty of tools and gadgets out there that make tidying up and restoring your yard to its former glory an (almost) effortless task. Read on for a few of our favorite fall cleanup tools and essentials, from leaf scoops to electric mulchers, all of which are available for purchase on Amazon.
1. Gardzen Large Leaf Scoop & Rake Set; $36
If you need some reasonably priced essentials to tackle simple yard work, this four-piece lawn-care set comes complete with a rake, two scoops, and a 72-gallon bag, which makes it a breeze to pick up leaves and other debris. This is a great option if you’re a new homeowner or just need some dependable tools for the basics. So far, it’s garnered nearly 3000 Amazon reviews and earned a 4.4-star rating, making it well worth the $36.
Buy it: Amazon
2. Carhartt Insulated Work Gloves; From $25
Whether you’re picking up leaves or working in the garden, these insulated gloves were designed with durability in mind. Thanks to their cotton, faux leather, and suede construction, they can handle (almost) any cleaning job while keeping your hands safe. Choose from sizes S-XXL.
Buy it: Amazon
3. Black + Decker Electric Leaf Blower; $29
The only thing more satisfying than jumping straight into a pile of leaves? Destroying the pile with an electric leaf blower. This 4.6-star-rated Black + Decker model offers strong and speedy cleaning capabilities while weighing just under 4.5 pounds. This is definitely the right option for smaller jobs, and at just $29, it’s an ideal way to clear your yard and sidewalks without taxing your budget. Be aware, though, that you do need an extension cord for this model, which you can find here. If you want to go cordless, Black + Decker has that model, too, but it’ll cost you $86.
Buy it: Amazon
4. Sun Joe Electric Handheld Chainsaw; $49
Chainsaws might have a bad rap in pop culture (looking at you, Leatherface), but there’s no question you’ll need one for yard work—and this 4.3-star-rated electric model is especially convenient when it comes to trimming branches and tidying up your backyard. It’s equipped with a safety switch for added protection, too. One five-star reviewer praised the saw’s reliability and easy-to-use features, writing, “Other than having to use a cord, this thing is awesome! It has plenty of power and cuts through anything I put in front of it.”
Buy it: Amazon
5. Fiskars Softgrip Pruner; $14
This compact pruner has an average rating of 4.5 stars, with many Amazon users praising its usability and budget-friendly price. The tool cuts precisely and effortlessly into thick branches, shrubs, and trees. Additionally, the rust-resistant coating protects against sap and debris buildup. You’re not going to trim an entire line of bushes with this tool, but for smaller jobs—a stray branch here, an overgrown shrub there—you’ll want this by your side.
Buy it: Amazon
6. Worx Electric Leaf Mulcher; $173
If you want to work smarter, not harder, when it comes to your yard work, this electric leaf mulcher can be a tremendous help. According to the brand, it can mulch up to 53 gallons of leaves per minute, and that’s thanks to its powerful 13-amp motor. Another benefit is easy clean-up: If you attach a bag underneath, it will deposit all the debris directly into it. Better still, it can take up to 11 bags of leaves and crush them into one, meaning tossing them out will be easier if you don’t plan to reuse that mulch for your garden or flower beds.
Buy it: Amazon
7. Husky 42-Gallon Contractor Clean-Up Bags (20-Pack); $18
These top-rated plastic bags can hold up to 42 gallons of garbage without tearing or ripping, thanks to their heavy-duty construction. Simply fill it, tie it shut, and voilà. This is exactly the type of heft you need when clearing your yard of branches, grass clippings, and leaves—or any other clutter destined for the dump. For big jobs, you can grab a pack of 20 that will probably last you a few seasons.
Buy it: Amazon
8. Suncast Resin 15.5-Gallon Multi-Purpose Cart with Wheels; $40
Whether you’re trying to lug tools around the yard or just need a garbage bin that’s easy to roll, this multi-purpose cart is worth grabbing. It has a 15.5-gallon capacity and is made from heavy-duty resin plastic, so it’s extra durable. The adjustable handle adds to the convenience factor and helps make this one of those fall essentials you’ll appreciate rolling out of the garage come clean-up time.
Buy it: Amazon
9. Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Apple Cider Kitchen Basics Set; $22
If you’re looking to bring a fall flavor to your kitchen and bathroom, this autumnal-inspired, apple cider-scented set (which includes dish soap, hand soap, and multi-surface cleaner) has everything you need to keep your space clean and festive. All three products are made of plant-derived ingredients and essential oils, and reviewers have given the set a collective 4.8-star rating.
Buy it: Amazon
10. Sun Joe Hydraulic Log Splitter; $189 with the on-page coupon
Splitting logs for firewood the old-fashioned way can be a real challenge, which is why folks who burn a lot of firewood through the late fall and winter months often opt for devices like this hydraulic log splitter. Granted, you do have to manually operate its hydraulic ram, but it can generate up to 10 tons of driving force, which the brand claims makes splitting logs easy (so long as they’re no larger than 18 inches long by 8 inches wide). It also has long handles, so you should have lots of leverage and won’t need to get too close to that ram yourself.
Buy it: Amazon
11. Corona Folding Pruning Saw; $23
This pruning saw—which is designed to trim small branches—is ideal for storage and small spaces thanks to its collapsible design. Its ergonomically designed handle offers a firm and comfortable grip, while the curved blade cuts incredibly smoothly. It’s earned a 4.8-star-rating, with one five-star reviewer writing, “I’ve had may other saws over the years, but this one shines as the sharpest and quickest cutting of all of them. It is not as fast as a chainsaw of course, but for small saplings and limbs, it is so much easier than lugging the chainsaw [and] it makes the overall job easier.”
Buy it: Amazon
12. The Wedge Gutter Cleaning Scoop; $12
Pick up leaves with ease—and clear your gutters of buildup—with this handy scoop. Per the manufacturer, it’s designed to fit all standard 5- and 6-inch gutters, and it sports a built-in mesh screen to help you drain all the sludgy funk before disposing of those gunky leaves. It also works well for clearing rocks, dirt, and silt.
Buy it: Amazon
13. Earthwise Corded Electric Wood Chipper; $153
Another fall cleaning must-have? A reliable wood chipper. This electric model can transform all those extra twigs around the yard (plus stray branches) into mulch that's ideal for either composting or laying over a garden. This model from Earthwise has a 15-amp motor and comes with a 10.5-gallon collection bin, so it collects all the debris and can make getting rid of yard waste much less stressful. Plus, with its two rear wheels, it can be easily moved from your garage or storage shed to the yard and back again.
Buy it: Amazon
A version of this story was originally published in 2021 and has been updated for 2023.
This article was originally published on www.mentalfloss.com as Spruce Up Your Home and Yard With These 13 Fall Cleanup Essentials.
