Is raking leaves necessary? Discover the benefits of this practice and some raking alternatives.
Fallen leaves can look quite appealing once they’re on the ground, and the bright oranges and reds are what we think of when we think of autumn. However, each year homeowners undertake the task of raking all of those leaves off their lawn. Raking leaves is often necessary for effective lawn care, but it can be time-consuming and physically challenging. Read on to learn more about the benefits that raking leaves can bring, as well as some potential alternatives for clearing leaves from your lawn.
The Benefits of Raking Leaves
The most important benefit to raking leaves is that it helps your grass grow. A thick layer of fallen leaves deprives grass of sunlight, especially cool-season grasses that need extra sunlight in fall. However, you don’t need to pick up every single leaf. If you plan on mowing at least once more before the autumn ends, the mower will shred up any remaining leaves. A few other benefits include:
- Eliminating lawn thatch as you rake
- Reducing the number of leaves that harbor diseases that affect trees and plants
- Improving the appearance of your property
The Best Time to Rake
Autumn is the best time for raking leaves. You will want to rake before the first frost or snow of late autumn. Whether you prefer to rake as leaves fall, or wait until all the leaves have fallen, just make sure the leaves are dry before raking.
What To Do With The Leaves
There are multiple things you can do with the raked leaves. The first thing you can do is use them as compost by chopping up the larger ones, so they will decompose faster.
You can also create mulch by using the dry raked leaves or “leaf litter.” This method requires you to chop up the leaves so they can break down in the soil without matting or creating mold.
Dry mulch can insulate well when arranged around plantings a few inches deep. However, remember to keep dry leaf mulch about an inch away from the trunks of shrubs and trees to allow airflow.
Alternatives to Raking Leaves
If raking leaves is too physically demanding, there are other methods you can use to remove leaves from your lawn. You can use a leaf blower to move piles of leaves, or you can use a leaf blower with a vacuuming function to transport your leaves to the compost pile. If you’re removing a thin layer of leaves, you can mow over them to chop them up and let them settle into the soil.
No matter which method you choose, removing leaves from your lawn can help you ensure that your grass will receive the sunlight and air it needs.
Scientific Plant Service Is Your Go-To Source In Landscape Healthcare
Scientific Plant Service, located in Baltimore, is a privately owned corporation, chartered in Maryland in 1957 by Frank J. Burke. We started as a full-service Arborists specializing in the care of shade trees and ornamental shrubs, but today we are a Lawn Care company that is a huge part of the community. From aquatic environments and snow management to deer and mole control, SPS has services tailored specifically for your lawn and landscape.
We offer services in Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia, including: Harford, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Howard, Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Prince Georges, Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Calvert counties in MD, as well as Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church in VA. For more information, contact us online, or call us at 410-321-0970. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest!