I recently bought a foreclosure property where the previous owner seemed to have a hoarding issue, leaving trash scattered everywhere in the yard. Although I've managed to remove most of the large items, I'm now facing an overwhelming amount of small debris like plastic bits, glass shards, paper, and metal scraps, especially as the snow melts. I've been using a grabber and a bucket to pick up what I can, but it feels like this will take years to resolve! I'm looking for suggestions on effective tools or methods to speed up the cleanup, preferably ones that won't just break up the existing debris further, like rototilling would.
6 Answers
You might want to try making a vibrating screen! I built one for my lawn rehab project by using a 2x2 box with chicken wire and a small motor attached to it. Set it at a slight angle and shake it to sift through the soil. It took time, but I managed to collect a ton of small rocks and debris, which helped clear the area substantially. Plus, once it's cleaned, laying down sod can help you get a beautiful lawn back!
You might also find a straining tool—like what metal detectors use for sand—helpful. This could allow you to scoop up the ground and catch only the unwanted debris.
For the metal items, check out these rolling magnet tools! They’re super handy; roofers use them to pick up nails after a roofing job, so they might work wonders for your yard. For the smaller bits, you could also try a nut gatherer, which can pick up random debris pretty easily. If there’s a lot embedded in the ground, hiring a landscaper to scrape and reseed might be your best bet, although it’ll cost more.
Consider renting a long rolling magnet from a local hardware store! It’s fantastic for picking up dangerous metal debris and should help make the cleanup process easier and safer.
Using a spring tin rake is another solid option. You can gather all the small debris into piles and then use leaf grabbers to toss it into trash bags. It’s a simple strategy but very effective for getting most of it cleaned up without much hassle.
A gravel sweeper could be another tool to check out for rent. It can effectively clear the smaller pieces from your yard without tearing everything up further!
True! It might be pricey, but a skilled team with the right equipment can make a huge difference quickly, especially if you’ve got glass shards or sharp debris lurking around.