Fall is one of the best seasons of the year, though the fall months can increase the amount of work in your yard. When autumn has arrived, the signs are apparent all around – especially in the way that most trees begin to drop their leaves to the ground. Raking up the leaves around (and just after) this time of year is typically a good idea. Why do we rake up fall leaves and what happens if you don’t rake leaves in your yard?
Should I Rake Leaves in My Yard?
Here’s your guide to what to do with leaves that pile up in your yard during the fall months.
Why do leaves fall?
It’s not just animals and insects that hibernate when seasons change. Plants and trees have their own version of hibernation when they’re dormant. During the fall, trees go into this state to preserve themselves – and their leaves aren’t needed for this period. So, to conserve energy, trees will drop their leaves.
In some cases, leaves and other lawn debris can serve a purpose for nature when it’s left in place. For example, leaves become compost, and can even become a habitat for some creatures. Nonetheless, there are also plenty of benefits and reasons why you should rake leaves and remove them from your lawn.
Why should you rake leaves in your yard?
Raking fallen leaves in your yard and garden beds is something all homeowners are familiar with in the fall months. More often than not, raking leaves is a better idea than allowing layers of leaves to smother the grass.
While leaves aren’t always harmful to your yard, they can be. Whether or not leaves are harmful to your yard will depend on numerous factors. For example, where you live, and what you are doing with the rest of your yard/garden.
Stagnant leaves can become a breeding ground for mold spores, a hiding place for snakes. Another reason you should rake leaves in your yard is that leaf layers can kill off the grass.
Although leaves can act as a natural fertilizer, it is typically a good idea to rake your lawn if you want to keep your yard in perfect, green condition throughout the fall and winter months, and into the spring.
Should you ever leave the leaves in your yard?
Leaves don’t have to be treated as garden waste when they can actually be useful in some cases. If you live in an area that is not very humid, you can afford to keep the leaves around – and it is likely to have a positive effect on the soil.
As an alternative, it is also possible to rake leaves together from the areas of the garden where they aren’t needed. This will allow you to position more leaves in parts of your garden where they are needed.
Why Some People Rake (& Other People Leave)
Some people rake leaves religiously, while others choose not to rake leaves at all.
Whether or not you decide to rake leaves depends on the needs of your lawn/garden. Leaving the leaves (or using them as compost) is a great way for gardeners to have more to work with. However, if you aren’t a gardener, leaves just present a problem to your yard and it is a better idea to rake them.
Antler Country Landscaping Omaha
Antler Country Landscaping was incorporated in 1997 and over the years has grown to offer professional landscape services, lawn care, and outdoor living spaces. Our mission is to enhance your outdoor experience. Contact us to learn more about our Omaha landscaping services.