DIY Solution for Leaf Build-Up in Our Courtyard
If you’re struggling with leaves accumulating in your courtyard, we’ve got a simple and effective solution for you. This DIY project will help you manage leaf build-up effortlessly. Here’s how we tackled the issue:
The Problem
Our courtyard was constantly covered with leaves, especially during the fall and spring seasons. No matter how often we cleaned, the leaves kept piling up, making the space look untidy and difficult to maintain. We needed a solution that would allow us to easily remove the leaves without spending hours on manual labor.
The Solution
Rodney came up with an ingenious idea to create a small, foldable door at the bottom of our fence. This door would allow us to blow the leaves out of the courtyard using a leaf blower, making the clean-up process quick and efficient.
How We Did It
- Identify the Problem Area: The first step was to pinpoint where the leaves were accumulating the most. For us, it was the bottom part of the fence where the wind would blow the leaves into the courtyard.
- Create a Foldable Door: Rodney made a small door by modifying the bottom three boards of our fence. He designed it in a way that it could be folded open and closed easily.
- Materials Needed:
- Hinges
- A latch
- Screws
- Paint (to match the fence color)
- Steps:
- Remove the Bottom Boards: Carefully remove the bottom three boards of your fence.
- Attach Hinges: Attach hinges to the top of the boards so they can swing open. We used a 2×4 on the inside up against the fence posts to keep the boards spaced like the existing fence; this 2×4 also gave the hinges something to screw to.
- Secure with a Latch: Install a latch to keep the boards securely closed when not in use.
- Paint the Boards: Once the door was installed, we painted it to blend seamlessly with the rest of the fence. This way, it remains discreet when not in use.
- Materials Needed:
- Using the Leaf Blower: Now, whenever we need to clean the courtyard, we simply fold open the small door and use a leaf blower to blow the leaves out. This method is quick, efficient, and requires minimal effort.
The Result
The foldable door works like a charm! After painting it to match the fence, it’s nearly invisible when closed. We only need to do this twice a year, making it a perfect low-maintenance solution.
Benefits
- Time-Saving: This method significantly reduces the time spent on leaf clean-up.
- Cost-Effective: The materials needed are inexpensive, and the installation is straightforward.
- Discreet: When closed, the door blends in with the fence, maintaining the aesthetic of the courtyard.
If you’re facing a similar issue with leaf build-up, consider giving this DIY solution a try. It’s a simple, practical, and effective way to keep your courtyard clean and tidy.
Happy gardening and happy leaf-blowing!
Tool & Product List
*include affiliate links*
Dewalt Jig Saw – https://amzn.to/3RfC2kO
Dewalt Leaf Blower – https://amzn.to/3XaSqXu
Hinges – https://amzn.to/3VfZi3g
Dewalt Impact & Drill – https://amzn.to/3x8y1Yx
Tape Measure – https://amzn.to/4c6pcgM
