Purpose of Raking Leaves

After letting children and animals play in the leaves, homeowners should start a compost pile.

Raking leaves is more than just a chore homeowners perform during the autumn and winter months, it can help improve a lawn and even save money on next season's yard care costs.

Identification

Raking leaves improves the overall health of a lawn by allowing air flow and nutrients that would otherwise fail to penetrate layers of leaves. In addition, fungi and pests like to inhabit plants covered by leaves.

Considerations

Lawns and gardens free of scattered leaves are believed to be more aesthetically pleasing and if it rains, wet leaves are very slippery, especially on sidewalks.

Benefits

When left to decompose over the winter, leaves form a nutrient rich compost. Home improvement legend Bob Vila recommends raking leaves into piles under shrubs and trees.

Tips

Gardeners should use a leaf blower on excessive piles of leaves. Then touch up the lawn and organize the leaves with a rake. A mulching mower works fine for a light light sprinkling of leaves.

Fun Fact

The Farmers Almanac notes that parents might want to let children frolic and play in the leaves before starting a compost pile.

References

• Farmers Almanac: Why Rake Leaves?
• Bob Vila: Raking Leaves