Is it necessary to rake leaves
On One Hand: Recognized BenefitsIn yards with many trees, beautiful fall leaves can quickly become a problem. Too many leaves can smother the lawn’s grass and prevent it from surviving the winter. The Utah State University Extension Office says unraked leaves create “a dark, warm environment for diseases and pests to develop and create problems in the spring for new tender growth.” Leaves left on the lawn to decompose can also be visually unappealing.On the Other: Problems with RakingRaking leaves is time-consuming and physically strenuous. Placing the raked leaves by the curb for waste pickup is also an environmentally unfriendly practice. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that yard trimmings (combined with food waste) account for 23 percent of waste pickup in the United States. Leaves will naturally decompose on their own, adding enriching nutrients to the soil as they do.Bottom LineIf your yard has a thin layer of leaves in the fall, it is best to leave them to decompose
