Sticks and walnut yard clean up

[Airic]

What is the best implement for yard clean up of sticks and walnuts on a lawn? Every year I have a huge amount of sticks and walnuts to clean up. I've not yet been hit by a walnut and surprised I've not, I bet it would hurt. I get so many of these that my mower will literally start rolling down hill like its sitting on hundreds of ball bearings.

Does a landscape rake work for this without tearing up the grass? At times I think I need a golf ball retriever like out on the driving ranges. I'm just looking for something that can get them into a centralize pile for pick up, not necessarily a bag catcher.

 

[lhfarm]

What is the best implement for yard clean up of sticks and walnuts on a lawn? Every year I have a huge amount of sticks and walnuts to clean up. I've not yet been hit by a walnut and surprised I've not, I bet it would hurt. I get so many of these that my mower will literally start rolling down hill like its sitting on hundreds of ball bearings.

Does a landscape rake work for this without tearing up the grass? At times I think I need a golf ball retriever like out on the driving ranges. I'm just looking for something that can get them into a centralize pile for pick up, not necessarily a bag catcher.

Funny, I looked out my window last weekend and saw all those walnuts that the critters haven't cleared for me. It reminded me of a thread I started a couple of years ago - http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/projects/67170-oh-nuts-i-need-walnut.html. The link in the last note was to here.
Still doing it by hand. Maybe someone will have a cheaper solution.

 

[Tig]

There was a guy last fall who had a similar problem with apples. We tried real hard to get him to take a video of a snowblower doing the job. Alas, he opted for a more sane solution. I think it was a landscape rake but I could be wrong. I tried to find the thread but couldn't.
Not sure how well it would work for walnuts, but if you need to work on your golf swing, I have an idea.

 

[ChuckinNH]

Something like this pine straw rake might work, but I don't know if the tines are close enough together for walnuts..

Leinbach Machinery Catalog

 

[mdc2544]

haven't used it but this rake from Northern has intrigued me:

Swisher Acreage Rake — 60in., Model# ACR-500 | Lawn Sweepers, Dethatchers + Rakes | Northern Tool + Equipment

 

[Leon Wittner]

When you get them into a pile fill a box and send them to us, we will help dispose of them!!!

 

[MJPetersen]

I had a funny vision as I looked at the options suggested. Can you imagine the pine straw rake gathering up a pile of walnuts and the tines start hanging on the grass or whatever and start "popping" back into position! Walnut Machine gun!! Better wear a hard hat and a protecting backshield.

Mike

 

[amigauser]

I have a similar problem with sticks, acorns, hickory nuts and pine cones of all sizes

A few different sites have recommended using a lawn sweeper such as this cheap Crapsman one.
Craftsman 42 in. High Speed Sweeper - Model 24222 at Sears.com

One gentleman indicated he even picks up fallen grapefruit with his. If it works on fruit it should work on nuts. I am not sure about sticks though.
I would pull it behind my lawn tractor but I guess you could pull it with anything, even an ATV.

 

[davitk]

I live in walnut heaven (or **** ), my neighbor bought one of those, tried it for a season and gave up. Squirrels is the answer. Lotsa squirrels.

 

[bx23barry]

Call the senior gleners. they'll pick the walnuts for ya