There Are Several Uses For Harbor Freight's Tarp, But This One Is Perfect For Fall

There are few things in life more simple yet versatile than a tarp. Essentially, it is a large sheet of waterproof material, usually made of polyethylene, vinyl, or canvas, that is as durable as it is functional. Almost anything outdoors can be protected from the elements by simply throwing a tarp over it. For instance, they could protect vehicles from rain and snow, serve as temporary roof covers after a severe storm, and protect young trees and shrubs from frostbite. Tarps are usually inexpensive, typically ranging from as little as $5 for a small blue one to over $100 for a large, heavy-duty design. Most tarps have grommets that are used to tie them down with ropes or bungee cords in windy weather. But one weather-resistant version from Harbor Freight priced at only $12.99 has a unique feature: a drawstring. That makes it a game changer, opening it up for many other uses, particularly in the fall months as you focus on backyard cleanup and winter preparation tasks like removing large piles of leaves from the lawn.

This tarp features a built-in cord that is threaded through hemmed edges. Like a drawstring bag, these edges gather as the string is pulled, tightening around the object it's covering. This eliminates the need for ropes and bungee cords to hold it in place. The drawstring also creates a great handle as it's pulled, which makes this tarp perfect for collecting leaves in the fall and hauling them away. You can always try to hack a regular tarp to make raking up your leaves a whole lot easier, but this drawstring version make the job less back-breaking without any alterations.

Using Harbor Freight's drawstring tarp to clear autumn leaves from the yard is simple. Lay the tarp out flat in the yard, and rake your pile of leaves onto it. When it's full, pull the drawstrings until the tarp curves upward like a bowl. Then, pull the tarp to wherever you plan to dump the leaves. If needed, give it a quick rinse and let it dry afterwards, and store it away until you're ready to use it again. At 9 feet by 9 feet, the tarp holds a lot of leaves. The cinched edges also keep leaves from sliding off while it is being moved. You can use this method to move mulch to your flower beds or to clean up debris after a bad storm or trimming hedges. And even after the last leaf has fallen, this tarp offers a brilliant hack that will save you from shoveling your snowy driveway. 

Made of weather-resistant, lightweight, and durable polyethylene, this heavy-duty drawstring tarp comes in handy in plenty of other ways, too. Pulling it tight around the item you're covering will help keep the tarp fitting snugly, which keeps rain from getting under it. Use it to cover patio furniture and the fire pit when summer is over and it's too cool for hanging out on the deck. Simply cover them with the tarp and cinch the drawstring. It works well for covering a loaded truck, as the drawstring fits snugly over the truck bed. You could also keep your firewood, landscape materials, lawnmower, or even bicycles dry by covering and cinching them with a drawstring tarp. As for your older covers, you can explore clever ways to repurpose tarps around your home and garden to ensure you get every last bit of value from them.