Goodbye Traditional Tarps: The Home Depot Find That Makes Collecting Leaves Easy

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Raking leaves can be a slog, but nevertheless, if there are too many fallen leaves in your yard, rounding up those fallen leaves is imperative to guarantee your grass has good circulation. If you have a large yard to manage, raking multiple piles and bagging them can be time consuming, but there's fortunately a better solution on Home Depot: the EZ Lawn and Garden Leaf Hauler.

Retailing for $34.99, this large tarp measures 6 feet long by 4 feet wide, with three raised sides and one open end that allows you to rake a large quantity of leaves into the tarp, then pull it wherever you need. Product specifications state that the tarp is able to manage 4 wheelbarrows' worth of leaves while its lightweight design makes it easy to haul around. The tarp also comes with two stakes to help keep it in place when the winds begin to pick up. When it's not in use, you can fold the tarp down to a small footprint and easily store it in the garage or shed.

At the time of writing, customers had given tarp a 4.2-star average from more than 230 reviews. Buyers commonly praise the tarp's performance and ability to help them clear their yards faster. One five-star review on Home Depot's website states, "This is a tough heavy duty leaf hauler! It does not rip or tear. The bright color makes it easy to find even when loaded with leaves. The stakes keep it held in place during filling. Great handles for pulling. I am so glad I bought this!"

This leaf hauling tarp is a useful asset for individuals who don't bag all of their leaves, like those who are enrolled in leaf collection programs. Since you can easily load it up with leaves and haul them to the street where they will be collected, you'll cut down on the amount of raking you have to do. Need to learn when fall leaf collection is happening near you? Here's what you should know. Similarly, if you want to save some of your fallen leaves for your garden beds or to add them to your compost pile, the tarp simplifies the process.

For all of its strengths, it is worth noting that the tarp has some negative feedback from customers who criticize its durability. Users say that it broke after minimal-to-moderate use, so it's best to treat the tarp with care. You may also need to reinforce the seams with duct tape if you notice excess strain on these points. Prior to raking leaves into it, ensure that the leaves are not wet — it's a mistake that will make raking your leaves so much harder — as the added weight could cause undue strain on the tarp. Before beginning, spend a few minutes clearing the yard of sticks or rocks that could rip the tarp from underneath. Prior to storing your tarp, you'll want to dry it fully, then place it in a completely dry place where it will continue to get air flow. Avoid shutting it in a plastic bin, as this can trap moisture and lead to premature degradation of the tarp.