This story appears in the October 2012 issue of National Geographic magazine. We have all held leaves, driven miles to see their fall colors, eaten them, raked them, sought their shade.

Learn more › Sure, you could blast leaves and dust across your entire neighborhood with a leaf blower, or you could get a leaf vacuum and tidy up your yard without making a bigger mess.

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› By Doug Mahoney Doug Mahoney is a writer covering home-improvement topics ...

Fall is no doubt a beautiful time of year, as leaves in many places transform into flaming reds, oranges, and yellows. But then the hard work follows. Fortunately, as leaves accumulate ...

Burning bay leaves is a traditional practice that some believe offers health benefits. But there’s little evidence to support these claims. Plus, doctors do not recommend burning and inhaling ...

One of the best parts of autumn is watching the vibrant, colorful foliage. It’s picturesque—until those leaves start covering your lawn, putting you on cleanup duty. While a leaf blower can ...

Mulberry trees produce flavorful berries that are enjoyed around the world. For centuries, its leaves have been used in traditional medicine as a natural treatment for a variety of conditions.

Leaf Blower Ratings Clean up your yard fast with a gas or electric leaf blower. Check out which ones offer convenient chute controls and comfortable handling.

Which is the best leaf blower? As we head into fall, leaves, leaves and more leaves are steadily falling, getting everywhere and making your garden, your drive and other areas around your home messy.

Promotions are subject to availability and retailer terms. For many of us, it's leaf-peeping season. But sadly, all good things come to an end. The leaves eventually fall and need to be cleaned up.