5 Reasons NOT To Rake Your Leaves
Did you know that by not raking your leaves, you not only save your back but you create a healthier yard? Keep reading for 5 reasons you might want to avoid raking your lawn this fall.
Improve Soil Health
Decaying leaves are nature’s fertilizer The decomposing leaf litter adds vital nutrients back into the soil that is needed for beautiful lawns, trees, shrubs, and flowers. Leaves also retain moisture and help prevent soil erosion.
Provide Habitats
Fallen leaves provide a secure habitat and protection for small animals, reptiles, and amphibians. Keep an eye out for chipmunks, box turtles, toads, and salamanders that will flourish in a healthier habitat. As an added bonus, many of these creatures feed on nuisance insects like mosquitos!
Help Save Pollinators
Whether it is part of their cocoon, protection from predators, or winter insulation. Leaves serve as a food source and habitat for many beneficial pollinators such as butterflies, Luna Moths, Wooly Bear Caterpillars, Lightning Bugs, and bees. Having a healthy population of pollinators will ensure your flower and food gardens are bountiful in the spring and summer.
Reduce pollution.
Leaf blowers create air and noise pollution. Many of us have been annoyed to hear the constant noise of a leaf blower this time of year. If we can leave the leaves for free compost and reduce the need for leaf blowers, it seems like a win-win scenario for our human, animal, and insect neighbors.
Save time
Fall is full of endless opportunities for harvest festivals, Halloween parties, and other celebrations with your friends and families. Time is our most precious resource- spend yours making memories.
Have more questions? Here are a few commonly asked questions about fall leaves:
Will Leaves Kill My Lawn?
While large piles or clumps of leaves can reduce the amount of light that reaches your grass, small amounts of leaves shouldn’t be a problem. If you’re concerned, you have two options:
Rake any dense patches into your garden beds where they will decompose naturally. This will protect the habitats of critters who may be overwintering in them as mentioned above.
Mulch-Mow your leaves, breaking them down into smaller pieces where earthworms and other helpful insects in the soil will do the rest of the work turning those leaves into natural fertilizer.
Can I leave leaves in my planting beds?
Yes, spreading fallen leaves in your garden beds serve as a natural mulch through the winter. Not only do they help hold moisture, but they also help insulate plants, control weeds, and stop soil erosion. As the leaves decay, they will add vital nutrients to the soil for your beautiful spring plants. In the spring, any remaining leaves can be covered with your normal seasonal mulching.
What about leaves in my vegetable garden?
Fallen leaves are a great way to prep your vegetable garden for spring planting. Simply spread shredded or whole leaves evenly across your garden area. If it is a dry fall, it is a good idea to wet the leaves down to keep them from blowing out of the garden and help them break down into wonderful soil for your vegetables and fruits.
Can Leaves be put in a compost pile?
Yes, leaves are considered “brown” composting materials. Ideally, your compost pile has a 4:1 ratio of four parts brown materials to one-part green materials, which include food scraps and grass clippings. By creating the right composting environment and turning materials frequently, you’ll create nutrient-rich fertilizer for your gardens.
Where leaves don’t belong.
Paved Surfaces Especially light-colored surfaces such as pavers or concrete
Fallen leaves contain tannins (just like in tea leaves) that will stain light-colored surfaces. It is a good idea to sweep leaves off paved surfaces onto your lawn where they can be mulched by the lawn mower.
Roofs & Gutters
Leaves can collect on roofs and in gutters which can create opportunities for water damage in and around your home.
Areaways and Window Wells
Leaves often collect in basement stairwells and window wells, clogging the drains in these areas, which can lead to flooded basements. It is a good idea to ensure that leaves are cleared from these areas.