Leaves: To Rake or Not to Rake?

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, one thing is certain: the leaves will fall. For many homeowners, that blanket of color on the lawn signals it’s time to pull out the rake or fire up the leaf blower. But in recent years, a different idea has been gaining traction - maybe those leaves are better left where they fall. So, which is it? Should you rake, or not?

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Leaves left in place can be a gift to your landscape. As they break down, they return nutrients to the soil, acting as a natural fertilizer. They also provide shelter for insects, which in turn feed birds and other wildlife. In some cases, leaving leaves where they are supports biodiversity right in your own backyard.

That said, a thick mat of leaves can cause problems if it’s left untouched. Piled too heavily on your lawn, they can smother the grass and invite mold and fungal growth. Mulching lawnmower blades And around trees and shrubs, too much leaf buildup can trap excess moisture against the bark, which isn’t great for long-term health.

So, what’s the balance? One option is to mulch your leaves instead of raking them all away. Running over them with a mower chops them into smaller pieces that break down more quickly. This creates a natural mulch layer that benefits your soil without suffocating the grass. Another option is to rake some of the leaves into garden beds or around tree roots, where they act as insulation through the winter.

Of course, if you’re dealing with diseased leaves - think spots, mildew, or strange discoloration - those should always be removed and disposed of, not mulched or left behind. Otherwise, you risk reintroducing the problem next year.

At the end of the day, fall leaf cleanup doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. You don’t need a spotless yard, nor should you ignore the piles entirely. Finding a middle ground - keeping walkways clear, mulching what you can, and letting some leaves stay in low-traffic areas - can give you the best of both worlds. A healthier yard, a little less work, and the chance to enjoy that autumn carpet of color just a little bit longer.