Raking leaves again this fall? Stop right now

https://news.yahoo.com/raking-leaves-again-fall-stop-110008336.html

Ryan W. Miller, USA TODAY
,USA TODAY•October 5, 2019

•••••

Environmental experts say raking leaves and removing them from your property is bad not only for your lawn but for the planet as a whole.

Although people often rake fallen leaves and send them to a landfill to prevent their lawns from being smothered and to make yards look better, in most cases, you're fine not moving them.

•••••

Here are a few reasons why you shouldn't rake your leaves and other tips to care for your lawn this fall:

Leaves and yard waste take up space in landfills ...

Leaving your leaves could make your lawn healthier – and save you money ...

•••••

The environment around you depends on your leaves

Butterflies and songbirds alike depend on leaf litter, according to Mizejewski.

•••••

While in most cases, your lawn will benefit if you keep the leaves where they fall, some raking may be necessary, the experts agree.

Sandor said leaves and lawns are different shapes and sizes, so there is no one-size-fits-all approach. If it looks like your mower won't be able to handle all the leaves or like your lawn is being smothered, that's when you may need to rake them to thin it out, he says.

If you do remove your leaves, the best thing to do is cut them up and drop them in a plant or flower bed or another part of your lawn that doesn't get leaf cover, Mizejewski said.

•••••

Some municipalities also have compost programs, which allow you to send your leaves off and get mulch back, Mizejewski said, but composting at your house is better so you don't have the added pollution of trucks and off-site machines taking and processing the leaves.

•••••