Raking is only half the battle when it comes to collecting leaves that have fallen from trees in the autumn. The next step is to bag them up for disposal. Bagging leaves can involve awkward bending and stooping, and it can quickly become an activity that puts stress on your back muscles.

Here are a few useful tips designed to prevent injury when bagging leaves.

¢ Bend your knees and lift with your leg muscles. Avoid lifting with your back.

¢ Avoid overfilling bags and making them too heavy to lift. Drag the bags or use a wheelbarrow to move them long distances.

¢ If you load leaves onto a tarp, keep the pile manageable. Don’t twist your body when you’re pulling the tarp. Have another person assist you by grabbing an opposite end of the tarp and pulling it to the disposal spot.

¢ Bag leaves in moderation. Don’t attempt to bag all the leaves at once. Pace yourself and tackle leaves in sections. Consider bagging leave for another day, once the raking is finished.

¢ Consider composting your leaves as an alternative to bagging. Then use it as mulch to cover the garden for the winter.

Source: AARP