Simpler cleanup

Tired of constantly collecting fallen leaves? Some trees, such as magnolia (Magnolia hybrid), can drop theirs almost all year long, depending on your region.

Instead of reaching in with a rake or running the lawn mower over them, catch the leaves right on the tree. Using twist ties, attach bird netting to the tree’s lowest branches. Foliage just falls here, like the magnolia leaves you see in the photo at left.

About once a month, wheel the garbage can underneath the canopy and release a few sections of the netting, letting leaves fall in. Since the netting is only really noticeable when it’s full, you can leave this catchall in place all year.