It’s this time of the year again when most of us enjoy seeing the leaves change from the lush greens of summer to the bright golds, oranges, and reds of autumn. Some of them, such as those from red maple trees, look quite pretty even when they are lying on the grass. Also, leaves can offer some benefits to your yard’s health and boost soil quality. Do you wonder how?
Leaves can provide natural mulch in the winter and then break down, enriching the soil and fertilizing the trees the rest of the year. You can use a mulching lawn mower to cut the grass and chop the leaves at the same time. Just make sure that you allow not more than one-fourth of an inch of mulched leaves on your lawn.
Although you can use leaves in some parts of your yard as natural mulch, you have to face leaf cleanup if you are trying to grow grass on your lawn. There is a sound reason behind removing leaves that has to do with lawn health. You have probably heard the following warnings in the past about allowing leaves to stay on top of your grass:
- The weight of wet leaves can suffocate grass.
- Moisture builds up under the leaves and cause a host of fungal diseases like snow mold and brown patch.
- Leaf removal displaces invasive insects and pests that like to make homes on the ground under leaves.
- A layer of leaves forms a barrier that blocks sunlight, water, nutrients, and a healthy air flow from getting down to the root system of your grass.
- If the leaves are matted down, they can even keep new grass blades from emerging next spring.
If leaves accumulate too fast, it’s time to get out the rake or power blower. Raking leaves is tough. While providing good exercise, it can be a time-consuming, blister-inducing chore. Just make sure you do not twist or bend your back in awkward ways, because injuries are the opposite of fun!.
An air blower can bring efficiency to the process! With an air blower, you can make quick work of leaf removal in your yard by spreading out a tarp and simply blowing the leaves onto the tarp for collection. Backpack styles especially are great for supporting the blower while allowing your arms to be free to direct the wand. Protective headgear should be worn to protect ears and eyes when operating an air blower.
And don’t forget to have fun in the process and make pleasant memories while playing in the leaves!
Do you have leaf removal tips to share? Let us know what worked or what didn’t in the comments section below.