Should You Rake Or Mulch Leaves This Fall?

As autumn leaves begin to fall, homeowners face a familiar question: rake them up or mulch them into the lawn? Each method has its pros and cons, but understanding the role of leaves in nature can help you make the best choice for your yard and local wildlife.

Raking leaves keeps lawns tidy and prevents thick layers of debris from smothering grass. A heavy blanket of wet leaves can block sunlight and trap moisture, leading to dead spots or mold.

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Collected leaves can be composted or used as mulch in garden beds, returning valuable nutrients to the soil. However, bagging and hauling leaves to landfills creates waste and removes natural materials that could enrich your yard’s ecosystem.

Most experts agree that mulching—chopping leaves into small pieces with a mower—can be a smart compromise. Shredded leaves break down quickly, feeding soil microbes and improving soil health. This helps grass grow thicker and more resilient.

Plus, leaving some leaf litter in garden corners provides critical habitat for butterflies, insects, pollinators, and small animals that rely on this cover to survive the winter.

Mulched leaves are great for garden and vegetable beds too, where they help keep weeds down and enrich the soil for the next growing season.

In the end, the best choice might be a mix of both—mulch most of your leaves and rake up any thick layers. That way, your lawn stays healthy, and you help local wildlife too.

Source: Martha Stewart

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