Essential Fall Clean-Up Gear to Get Your Property Ready

Minnesota fall does not wait for anyone. Leaves pile up, shrubs keep growing, branches come down, and the first hard freeze can arrive before the yard is ready.

The right tools will not replace good planning, but they can make fall cleanup faster and easier. Here are six items to consider for your Twin Cities property, along with a practical checklist for getting the work done before winter.

Team Williams Fall Clean-Up Gear Picks

These are the six items featured in this article:

1. DEWALT 20V MAX 22-inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer

2. HAUSHOF 6-Pair Women's Garden Working Gloves

3. WORKPROX 20V Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer

4. DCA 22-Inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer

5. HANDLANDY 6-Pairs Safety Work Gloves

6. Wells Lamont Nitrile Work Gloves 5-Pack

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Prices, availability, sizes, battery options, and product details can change. Review the current Amazon listing before purchasing.

1. DEWALT 20V MAX 22-Inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer

A hedge trimmer is useful for cleaning up overgrown shrubs, foundation plantings, and hedges before snow piles up around them.

The DEWALT 20V MAX model listed above has a 22-inch blade and is designed as a bare tool, meaning the battery and charger may need to be purchased separately. The listing describes a compact design, hooked-tooth blades, and the ability to cut branches up to approximately three-quarters of an inch, depending on the material and conditions.

For fall cleanup, use it to:

• Shape hedges before winter

• Remove dead or damaged growth from shrubs

• Clear branches away from walkways and windows

• Trim plants that may block snow removal areas

Do not use a hedge trimmer to cut large limbs. For branches that are too thick, use the proper pruning tool or call a professional.

2. WORKPROX 20V Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer

Tall hedges are difficult to reach safely with a standard trimmer. The WORKPROX pole hedge trimmer is listed with a telescoping aluminum pole, an 11-angle head, and a reach of up to approximately 9.2 feet. The listing also shows a battery and charging cable included with the product.

This type of tool can help with higher shrubs and hedge tops while keeping your feet on the ground. That said, a pole trimmer does not eliminate the need for caution. Keep both hands on the tool, watch your footing, and check the area for overhead wires before starting.

For Twin Cities homeowners, this is especially useful when:

• Foundation shrubs have grown above comfortable reach

• Hedges need a light fall shaping

• Branches are brushing against siding or windows

• You want to avoid using a ladder for minor trimming

Avoid heavy cutting overhead. If a tree or large branch is involved, leave that job to a qualified professional.

3. DCA 22-Inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer

The DCA cordless hedge trimmer is another option for homeowners who want a ready-to-use tool. The listing describes a 22-inch dual-action blade, a rotating head, and a 2.0Ah battery and charger included.

The rotating head can be useful when working along the top or side of a hedge. Before buying, compare the included battery and charger with the other trimmers on this list. You do not need three hedge trimmers for one average yard. Choose the one that fits your property, storage space, and existing battery system.

A good fall trimming rule is simple: remove dead, broken, or badly overgrown growth, but do not cut every plant just because winter is coming. Some shrubs and perennials are better pruned in spring. If you are unsure, identify the plant first or ask a local nursery.

4. HAUSHOF Garden Working Gloves

Gloves are not exciting, but they are one of the most useful pieces of fall cleanup gear. Wet leaves, thorny branches, rough tool handles, and cold mornings can make yard work uncomfortable quickly.

The HAUSHOF gloves are marketed for smaller hands and feature a nitrile-coated palm and fingers. The listing notes that the sizing may run small, so check the size chart carefully before ordering.

Keep a pair available for:

• Pulling weeds

• Handling leaves and branches

• Moving garden debris

• Working around thorny shrubs

• Loading yard-waste bags

Gloves are not a substitute for proper safety equipment. For powered trimmers, add eye protection, sturdy footwear, and hearing protection when appropriate.

5. HANDLANDY 6-Pair Safety Work Gloves

The HANDLANDY six-pair safety gloves are another practical multipack for homeowners, landlords, and anyone managing more than one property. The listing describes a breathable nylon glove with a microfoam nitrile coating and grip for tasks such as gardening, construction, maintenance, and general handling.

A multipack makes sense during fall because cleanup gets dirty. One pair may be wet after raking leaves, another may be covered in soil, and another may be needed for trimming or hauling. Keep the extra pairs in the garage, truck, or shed so you are not searching for gloves in the middle of a project.

Before using any glove, check that it fits securely. Gloves that are too loose can reduce control around tools. Gloves that are too tight can make your hands tire faster.

6. Wells Lamont Nitrile Work Gloves 5-Pack

The Wells Lamont five-pack is designed for general work, gardening, landscaping, cleaning, and maintenance. The listing describes a breathable polyester knit shell, nitrile-coated palms, a stretch wrist, and multiple pairs for rotation.

These are a good fit for everyday fall tasks such as:

• Raking

• Carrying branches

• Handling yard-waste bags

• Cleaning patios and walkways

• Loading tools and debris

They are not heavy leather gloves, so do not rely on them for chainsaw work, heavy thorn protection, or jobs requiring specialized cut resistance. Match the glove to the task.

A Practical Twin Cities Fall Cleanup Order

Do the work in this order so you are not repeating the same steps:

1. Clear the lawn first. Remove heavy leaf coverage before it mats down and blocks the grass.

2. Trim shrubs and hedges. Keep growth away from walkways, siding, windows, and snow-storage areas.

3. Clean garden beds. Pull weeds, remove diseased plant material, and decide what should stay for winter interest.

4. Check gutters and downspouts. Leaves can block drainage before freeze-up. Use a stable ladder or hire the work out if the roofline is difficult to reach.

5. Move debris to the correct disposal area. Yard-waste rules vary by city. Check your local program, including Minneapolis yard-waste guidance if you live in Minneapolis.

6. Finish with a final mow. Keep the lawn at the height recommended for your grass type rather than cutting it extremely short.

7. Clean and store tools. Remove dirt, dry metal parts, charge batteries according to manufacturer directions, and store equipment somewhere protected from moisture.

Team Williams Lawn & Snow Services can also handle the work if you would rather not spend your weekends hauling leaves and debris. Our fall leaf cleanup service includes leaf and debris removal, grass cutting, and general yard cleanup. When you are ready, you can book service online.

Final Team Will Tip

Do not wait until every leaf has fallen. Start with the areas that create problems first: walkways, gutters, lawns, shrub beds, and property entrances. A few smaller cleanup sessions are usually easier than one rushed weekend after the yard is wet, cold, and covered in leaves.

Use the right glove for the job, inspect powered tools before starting, and leave large tree work to professionals. That is how you get the property ready without turning a simple fall cleanup into a bigger problem.