It seems like during a somewhat wet year there are more tree leaves than ever and even trees that were slowly getting to be half dead got a temporary reprieve this summer.

There are various methods of collecting the leaves, starting with the old fashioned rake and bag (no doubt the cheapest way to attack the problem). And you can see the more expensive alternatives in competing television commercials.

And if all these don't appeal to you, Mother Nature might decide for you with one of those blizzard-force northwesterly winds that re-deposit the leaves in one of your neighbor's yards.

And w...