Whats the best way to get grass clippings and leaves out of landscape rocks?

Question

i have small rocks as part of my landscaping, apparently it is supposed to be "low maintenance" the people who lived here before me never got up the leaves or grass clippings so they are covered, when i rake them up it gets the top leaves off but all the decomposed grass and leaves is in between all the rocks and looks bad, how do i get it cleaned up properly?

Answer 1

I've had the same problem and what I've done is used an air compressor to blow it all loose.  Since most people don't have an air compressor lying around, though, a leaf blower might accomplish a lot, though you can't regulate how hard you are blowing (and hopefully the rocks are heavy enough to stay in place with either tool!).

Once you've got it loosened and blown off the rocks, then you can rake it all up.  

Just a suggestion...I'd be interested in seeing other folk's responses 'cause it isn't always easy or convenient to be dragging an air hose all the way from the barn to the house!

Good luck!

Answer 2

I've used the opposite end of the leaf blower - the vacuum - to take up the little hard to reach stuff. Keep the tip an inch or two away ftom the rocks or you'll get that annoying rattling sound in the machine.

Answer 3

I use my leaf blower.

Answer 4

Use an electric blower. Gas blowers are too strong. Do not point it at the rocks. Go from the air down to the rocks. Gently blow the debris away. My entire front yard is rocks and I gently do this. If you put the blower on full force down to the earth, the grass, debris, and ground  will be blown away.  Be patient and everything will be okay.

Answer 5

I think a leaf blower should do the trick.  You don't want the setting so high it blows the small landscape rocks though.  That should blow them away to an adjacent area where you can rake 'em and bag 'em up.  You think that will work?

Answer 6

You are talking about the leaves and grass that have composted into soil, right?  

If so, the only thing I found that works is to use a spray nozzle on the garden hose and wash the dirt out of the rocks.

Answer 7

If it is not too close to the house or other flamable item, use a flame thrower. You can get these fairly cheap at Harbor Freight on line. You hook it up to a propane bottle. You can adjust the flame intensity. This way, when you are done.....you're done. No additional raking or picking up.