Why You Might Want to Stop Raking Your Leaves

As a lifelong New Englander, I know that raking leaves in the fall is an expected part of life. It’s commonly understood that you should clean up every last leaf from your yard before the snow arrives. But in recent years, this practice has faced scrutiny. Some now advocate for a more environmentally friendly approach that involves leaving leaves in place. So, with another fall upon us, what’s the right choice?

In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of both options, featuring insights from Shawn Doucette of Facility Maintenance Solutions.

Benefits of Raking Your Leaves

Before you stop raking leaves, consider the benefits of leaf cleanup.

• Aesthetics: A well-raked lawn looks neat and tidy, improving your home’s curb appeal. Plus, there’s nothing as satisfying as getting every last leaf.
• Prevent plant fungus and disease: Unraked leaves can develop mold and fungus, which could spread to bushes and shrubs in your landscaping.
• Lawn health: Keeping leaves raked promotes a healthy lawn, as thick layers of leaves will smother and kill your grass. “It’s good to have oxygenated soil, and you’ll end up with dead, yellow spots on your lawn in the spring if you don’t rake,” Doucette says.
• Safety: Leaves can hide uneven ground or trip hazards for you and your family, as well as guests. Some leaves, like oak, are also very slippery.

Benefits of NOT Raking Your Leaves

If you think you might stop raking leaves, there are some advantages.

• Natural fertilizer: As leaves break down and decay, they return nutrients to the soil.
• Preserves biodiversity: Many microorganisms, insects and small animals rely on decaying leaf litter as a habitat or a safe place to overwinter.
• More free time: Letting leaves lie will give you more time to enjoy fall weekends with friends and family.
• Less allergen exposure: Leaves contain pollen, dust and dirt. Avoid this added allergen exposure by not raking your leaves.
• Natural weed management: Group leaves into piles or thick layers around shrubs in landscaping beds to inhibit weed growth. The leaves will block sunlight and prevent any airborne weed spores from taking root in the soil.

Should I Stop Raking My Leaves?

Whether or not you rake your leaves really comes down to personal preference. But if you’re thinking you might stop raking leaves, you’ll want to consider a few points.

If you live in a wet climate, unraked leaves can easily get damp and moldy. It’s important to rake them up to reduce air allergens and prevent infecting landscape plantings. Also, in drier climates, or areas prone to forest fires, you’ll want to rake leaves to reduce flammable leaf litter.

If you live in a Homeowner’s Association (HOA), you likely have to rake your leaves. HOA’s often have rules that govern the outside appearance of your home. Some provide landscaping services, which include fall cleanup. Those that don’t will have guidelines and even deadlines when you’re expected to have your leaves cleaned up.

About the Expert

• Shawn Doucette is the owner of Facility Maintenance Solutions, a full-service property maintenance company offering exterior and interior services, in Amherst, Massachusetts.