While the fallen leaves are often picturesque, they also present hazards for your yard if left to sit. Tips for clearing the leaves and setting the stage for a lush lawn come spring:

• Continue to mow your lawn until the first frost. This will keep the grass strong and healthy. Remove the leaves when your grass has stopped growing.

• Raking is strenuous activity that can leave you with a sore back. Pace yourself and take frequent breaks.

• Some cities ask you to place leaves at the curb in paper bags. Others tell residents to rake them into a row or pile at the curb so municipal vacuums can collect them.

• If your yard is near a street-side storm drain, check that area for leaves. Clumps of wet leaves after a heavy rain can prevent drainage, which can flood your yard and street

• If bagging is not an option, make a compost of the leaves to create mulch and fertilizer for the spring. Leaves can also be left under trees and shrubs where they will compost themselves.

• Give your trees and shrubs a good soaking after the leaves fall and before the ground is frozen. Since the winter damage that they sustain often stems from their inability to draw water from the frozen earth, proper watering in the fall is crucial.