If you’ve ever stepped outside on a crisp Colorado morning in October, rake in hand, you know the feeling. You look at your yard and think, “Didn’t I just do this yesterday?” The wind swirls, a neighbor’s aspen decides it’s your lawn’s turn for their leaves, and before you know it, you’re knee-deep in gold, orange, and brown.
We rake for a lot of reasons — to keep yards, driveways, and walkways clear, to prevent plants from getting smothered, and yes, to keep the HOA or neighbors happy. Whether you’ve got a big lawn in Golden, a garden bed in Lakewood, or a tree-filled lot in Summit County, the right tools can make fall cleanup quicker, easier, and maybe even a little enjoyable.
And if you live in a condo or apartment? We see you. Your “fall cleanup” might mean shaking out a doormat or sweeping the balcony, but feel free to share this guide with your single-family-home friends. You can be the one supervising from a comfy chair with a pumpkin spice latte.
The Science of Those Pesky Piles
Ever wonder why leaves change color in the fall? During summer, chlorophyll keeps leaves green by helping plants make food from sunlight. As the days shorten and temps drop (hello, Summit County mornings in the 20s), trees slow down food production, and the green fades. That’s when other pigments — yellows, oranges, reds — shine through.
It’s one of the best parts of fall in Colorado. Golden aspens lining Kenosha Pass, the crunch of leaves underfoot in Golden’s Clear Creek park, that cool, crisp air in Lakewood’s Bear Creek Greenbelt. But as pretty as it is, all that beauty has to land somewhere — and often, it’s your yard.
3 Game-Changing Tools for Raking the Leaves
Here are three tools our team at Colorado Ace swears by for making leaf cleanup faster, easier, and a little less back-breaking.
1. The Ergonomic Rake
Why upgrade? A good rake saves your back and gets the job done faster. Look for a wide head to cover more ground and lightweight materials to reduce fatigue. Adjustable handles and spring-back tines are worth the extra few bucks.
Ace 65 in. 26 Tine Poly Leaf Rake with Wood Handle — Lightweight, rigid, wide coverage rake ideal for sweeping up leaves quickly.
Bond 9‑Tine Poly Fan Rake with Rubberized Grip — Compact, ergonomic design with comfortable handle for easier leaf gathering.
2. A Leaf Blower (a.k.a. Your New Best Friend)
Sometimes you just need to bring in the big guns. A leaf blower is faster, more fun, and can double as a gutter cleaner with the right attachment. Decide if you want the always-ready power of a corded model, the freedom of battery, or the muscle of gas.
Pro Tip! Right now, Colorado residents can get 30% off select electric outdoor power equipment. It’s a great time to upgrade to a quieter, eco-friendly option.
EGO Power+ LB6151 170 mph / 615 CFM 56 V Battery Handheld Leaf Blower Kit — Highly rated cordless blower; battery and charger included, low vibration and quiet operation.
EGO Power+ LB6703 180 mph / 670 CFM 56 V Battery Handheld Leaf Blower Kit — Even more power for tougher, wet leaf piles; includes 4 Ah battery.
3. The Leaf Scoop & Bagging System
Those giant claw-like scoopers? They’re not just a gimmick. They make bagging leaves way faster and keep your hands cleaner. Pair them with biodegradable lawn bags for an eco-friendly win.
Rugg 12.25 in. 11‑Tine Poly Leaf Scoop — Lightweight, under $10, and surprisingly quick.
Midwest Quality Gloves Lawn Claws (hand scoop) — Great for scooping directly into bags or onto a compost pile.
The Best Tools for Tackling Leaves This Fall – Side-by-Side Comparison
From rakes to blowers, see what fits your yard (and your back) best.
Want to save this for later? Download our printable PDF tool guide here!
Pro Tips for Making Raking Less Miserable
We asked a few of our team members in Summit, Golden, and Lakewood for their best leaf-wrangling wisdom:
Lakewood
- Rake when the leaves are dry. Wet leaves are heavier, harder to move, and can get slippery.
- Work with the wind, not against it. Let nature give you a hand.
Golden
Tackle the yard in sections. You’ll feel more accomplished, and it’s easier on your back.
Summit County
Make it fun. Put on some music, invite the kids to jump in piles, and promise yourself a mug of cocoa when you’re done.
What to Do with All Those Leaves
Once you’ve got them piled up, you’ve got options, and not all of them involve stuffing bags until your arms ache.
1. Compost them
If you garden, you’re sitting on free gold. Shred the leaves first (a mower works great) and add them to your compost bin or pile. In Golden, the city will pick up and recycle your yard waste twice a year.. Lakewood residents can use the city’s free fall leaf drop-off. Summit County offers seasonal yard waste composting at the Summit County Resource Allocation Park (SCRAP).
2. Mulch garden beds
Use shredded leaves as a protective winter blanket for perennials, shrubs, and vegetable beds. Mulch if the leaves are dry, disease-free, and from trees without allelopathic properties (like black walnut). If you’ve got too many leaves or they’re matted and wet, skip mulching. It can trap moisture and cause mold.
3. Bag for pickup
If your yard doesn’t need more mulch or your compost bin is already full, bag them for your local collection program. Check local rules for bag type: Golden and Lakewood accept paper lawn bags, while Summit County’s compost facility takes loose leaves in trailers or trucks.
Don’t Dread It – Own It
With the right tools and a few smart tricks, raking leaves can go from “ugh” to “done” in no time. Stop by your local Colorado Ace Hardware and we’ll get you set up with the gear you need. Your yard and your back will thank you.
