The air is crisp (well, usually), the pumpkin spice lattes are flowing (gag), and your lawn is covered in a beautiful blanket of fallen leaves. For many, this means it’s time to grab the rake and start the back-breaking task of leaf removal. But what if I told you that raking your leaves is, in fact, one of the worst things you could do for your yard, your local wildlife, and quite possibly, your sanity?
Reason number ONE as to why you should not rake your leaves this fall—and why your lawn will thank you for it? Leaves Are Free Mulch!
Mulch - it’s that magical stuff that keeps your garden beds moisturized, and your plants happy. Guess what? Your fallen leaves are nature’s mulch. Instead of sending them off to the landfill, let them stay where they fall. A little research on the world wide web will tell you that as they decompose, they’ll enrich the soil beneath them with nutrients, increase moisture retention, and even protect plant roots from the harsh winter cold. So, if you’re into saving money (and who isn’t?), leaving your leaves where they lie is a win-win.
#2. Wild Things Need Shelter
Raking leaves isn’t just bad for your lawn—it’s also bad for the wild things. A pile of leaves is winter wonderland bugs, frogs, small mammals, and even birds. These cozy nooks offer protection from predators and serve as a warm refuge when temperatures drop. Plus, many critters, like beetles, will break down the leaves and return essential nutrients to the soil. So, by raking up every last leaf, you’re denying God’s creatures their seasonal Airbnb.
#3. No One Is Going To Kill Their Lawn With Leaves
Let’s be real for a second: the idea that leaves will suffocate your grass is a myth that’s been perpetuated for far too long. I would know, I asked the professionals. A light layer of leaves—provided it’s not a soggy, wet mess—will not kill your grass. In fact, a thin, dry layer of leaves will protect your lawn by insulating it and preventing weeds from getting too much light.
So let’s say you end up with a little more coverage than you'd like, and you are worried it will turn into a soggy mess, simply mow over the leaves, which is my preferred method. The mower will chop them up into tiny bits which will break down faster and do wonders for your soil. And your mower does NOT need a mulching blade to accomplish this.
#4. Fall Is All About Lazy… Isn’t It?
Let’s be honest. If you’re like most people, you dread raking leaves. It’s a monotonous, back-breaking, sweat-inducing task that seems to stretch on forever. Not to mention, if the wind is blowing in an unfavorable direction, you will never really win. Also, the 80 degree temps we are having right now will make you feel like you are going to straight stroke out. SO, why not skip it entirely?
GOOD NEWS! You don’t even have to pretend to be productive. Instead of spending your weekends raking, you can kick back with a pumpkin spice latte (or your drink of choice), wait for the pile to decompose naturally and, if you live in one of “those neighborhoods”, give your neighbors something to gossip about.
But if you really feel like you have to be a candidate for a “Best Yard in the Neighborhood”, by all means, stress out, get to raking and have your Advil and heating pad at the ready!
Oh, and if you need a rake you can have mine, it’s in the trash, right where I left it.
Love & Light
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