Raking Leaves on Your Lawn: Do it or Ditch It?
When fall arrives, and the leaves start to change their colors, our yards transform into a beautiful sea of red, yellow, and orange. However, as these leaves gently fall from the trees and cover our lawns, a big question arises: do you need to rake leaves during fall? Too many leaves on your lawn can pose a risk to lawn health. There are many reasons why raking leaves is important, including the benefits it offers to your lawn, and creative ways you can use those fallen leaves in upcoming seasons.
Do You Need to Rake Leaves During Fall?
Leaves falling on your lawn are a common sight during the fall, and it might seem like a hassle to clean them up. Some people wonder if it’s necessary to rake leaves at all. Well, the short answer is yes, you do need to rake leaves. Fallen leaves come with some risks for your lawn:
- Lawn Health: Leaving a thick layer of leaves on your lawn can smother your lawn, block sunlight, and trap moisture. This creates a breeding ground for critters and lawn disease, potentially harming your grass.
- Aesthetic Appeal: A leaf-covered lawn can look messy and unkempt, reducing the overall beauty of your outdoor space.
- Safety Concerns: Leaf removal prevents the matting of wet leaves that can become slippery after rainfall. Wet leaves pose a slipping hazard, especially when they hide uneven surfaces or obstacles in your lawn.
What are the Benefits of Raking Leaves?
Raking leaves may seem like a chore, but it offers several benefits for your lawn and your home. Removing fall leaves is important to maintaining a healthy lawn. It ensures that your grass gets the sunlight and air it needs to thrive. It also prevents snow mold or disease from taking over during cold winter months. A clean, leaf-free lawn also looks more attractive and well-maintained, enhancing your home’s curb appeal. Raking leaves before winter makes it easier to prepare your lawn for the colder months. It also reduces the effort needed in spring when the leaves are more challenging to remove.
What to Do with Fallen Leaves on Your Lawn
Once you’ve raked up those fallen leaves, you might be wondering what to do with them. Missouri law has banned yard waste from landfills, but there are various ways to recycle yard waste and use leaf litter for beneficial purposes around your lawn and landscaping.
Composting: Leaves make excellent compost material. They break down over time and enrich your soil with valuable nutrients.
Mulching Leaves: Shredded leaves can be used as mulch in garden beds to protect your garden plants during the winter and conserve moisture in the soil.
Bagging for Collection: Many communities in St. Louis offer leaf collection services. You can bag the leaves and leave them by the curb for pickup. The City of St. Louis offers leaf pickup during November and December.
Shredding: Some people prefer to shred the leaves with a lawn mower or mulching mower and leave them on the lawn as a natural mulch, provided it’s not too thick.
Professional Fall Lawn Services in St. Louis with Loyalty Lawn Care
A healthy lawn in St. Louis needs special care and attention throughout each season and fall is an important time of year for crucial lawn maintenance tasks. Homeowners in need of fall lawn care help can turn to the pros at Loyalty Lawn Care. We offer professional aeration and overseeding for fescue lawns, as well as weed control and fertilization programs. Since 1998, we have served St. Louis, St. Charles, St. Peters, Ballwin, Chesterfield, Kirkwood, Lake St. Louis, Dardenne Prairie, O’Fallon, Wentzville, Wildwood, and surrounding areas. Our team is available to answer questions or concerns about common lawn problems and provide professional recommendations to achieve a healthy lawn in Missouri. Contact us today for a free quote.