Each fall, the leaves fall from the trees and cover the lawn. We will either rake, blow, or shred the leaves off into the lawn. Why is it important to care for our lawns and landscape? What are the real benefits of removing leaves from the lawn? Let's discuss the benefits to your lawn and landscape by removing leaves each fall.
Benefits of Leaf Cleanup
Leaves that are left on the surface of the lawn for long periods of time can suffocate the grass, and block essential UV rays, air, and moisture. Without sunlight, photosynthesis cannot take place, and the grass weakens and becomes more susceptible to other issues. These issues can lead to bare or thin spots, which can attract weeds and pests. When leaves lie on the surface of the lawn, they form a mat and are compressed by rain or snow. This traps moisture against the soil and grass. Dampness is created as a result and becomes a perfect environment that promotes diseases. The soil and grass leaf tissue rely on good airflow and gas exchange on the surface. Leaves that form a layer of the grass restrict this process and reduce oxygen and increase CO2 in the soil and grass. Weakened turf under leaf cover creates areas for chickweed, henbit, and poa to germinate and spread.
Combining leaf coverage with compaction of the soil is risky because the two conditions will not allow sunlight, water, nutrients, or air into the canopy of the plant or into the soil. Signs to determine if you may have compacted soil, include standing water after a rainfall, thin and patchy grass stand, and hard to dig.
Excessive thatch can also serve as a suffocating material because of the barriers within the dead, organic material. Over time, the grass produces more organic materials that accumulate at a more rapid rate than they can decompose. The thatch layer compresses and forms a tight barrier that either slows the infiltration rate or seals the surface completely. This can lead to a shallow root system, and the grass becomes less resilient to stress. Therefore, it is recommended to maintain thatch thickness at ½” or less.
Reduces the risk of lawn diseases
Leaves trap moisture by creating a damp environment. Diseases like snow mold, brown patch, and dollar spot thrive in damp environments, which will affect the grass over the wintertime and into the spring. Regularly removing leaves from the lawn eliminates breeding grounds and conditions for pathogens.
Improves soil health
Shredding and mulching leaves and recycling them into the soil adds valuable nutrients and organic material to the lawn as they decompose. Small leaf particles that lie on bare spots can keep weed seed from germinating in the fall. Mulching the leaves into the soil replaces key nutrients that were used by trees during the summer for growth. Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium, magnesium, and other micronutrients that trees extract from the soil during the growing season. Deciduous leaves are excellent sources of carbon and contain 2% nitrogen. The recycling process provides these nutrients back to the soil and grass for continued growth.
Increases curb appeal and safety
A leaf-free lawn and landscape give the home increased curb appeal. Wet leaves that have fallen on hard surfaces will become slippery once rain wets the surface. This can produce a hazardous condition that is unsafe for foot traffic. Cleaning leaves and the sap they produce should be removed as soon as possible.
Lawns that are very detailed with vibrant colors and precision landscaping can suffer in aesthetics if leaves are not removed. Fallen leaves can obscure essential features of the landscape. Removing the leaves allows features to be visible and appreciated. A well-maintained lawn with regular leaf removal significantly increases a property’s curb appeal, which is very important in real estate sales.
Important Considerations & When To Remove
When To Remove Fall Leaves
Once leaves start to fall, it is best to remove them every 5-7 days to keep from smothering the lawn. This reduces the possibility of excess moisture on the grass blades and allows breathing. Removing leaves at this rate will keep them from matting and lower the risk of lawn diseases. Removing debris and leaves is much easier if they are dry and workable. It is important to perform a cleanup before the first frost because of the moisture that is produced from melting ice crystals trapped between layers of leaves. The process will continue as nighttime temperatures freeze moisture and thaw during the day. It is most difficult to dry leaves once they are wet and sticking to the grass and other tree leaves.
How to Remove Fall Leaves
There are several ways to remove leaves from the lawn once fall comes around. First, there is always the original way to remove, and that is by raking, gathering, and disposing. Second, there are hand-held or back blowers that can be used to perform the same task as raking, but there is more noise associated with this method. Third, vacuums or leaf sweepers are now available that can gather all leaf materials and allow for dumping on your property for composting for the lawn or garden.
Mulching Leaves
There are many benefits to removing leaves from the lawn, landscape, and hardscape. However, it is important to find a balance between removal and recycling. It is beneficial to have mulched leaves within the grass because of the nutrient value. Finding a balance between the two may have to be determined over a longer period.
Type of Grass
The benefits for all grasses are the same, but warm-season grasses are more sensitive to shading from leaves. Leaves that have fallen on warm-season grasses will need to be removed more frequently than cool-season grasses due to limited UV ray exposure. Leaves need to be shredded as finely as possible on warm-season grasses so they are small enough to go down to the soil. Bermudagrass, for example, will discolor if covered for a period, which weakens the grass going into late fall and winter. Cool-season grasses are actively growing when leaves start to fall and cover the surface. Therefore cool cool-season grasses have the energy reserves to grow deep into fall and early winter.
Best practices for mulching leaves with different grass types
General best practices for mulching leaves on any lawn
-
Mulch Regularly: Develop a consistent weekly routine to remove all debris from the lawn, keeping the cleanup and appearance consistent. Removal could be performed daily as mid-fall arrives, making frequency more, but the amount gathered would be less. Staying out front of the situation is a good management practice.
-
Dry Leaves are Best: It is very difficult to work and gather wet leaves. They are easier to shred, and can be recycled if they are dry and have very little grass moisture. Removal should take place when the conditions are going to be the driest. Avoid mulching wet leaves because they will clump and lead to issues with mowing, blowing, and raking.
-
Shred Leaves Finely: Breaking up the leaf tissue into small particles (dime-sized) with rotary, mulching mowers works well. Repeat the process until all are shredded and not visible on the surface of the lawn. The finer the leaves are shredded, the better, as they can work their way down to the soil through the grass and decompose faster.
-
Use a Mulching Mower: While specialized mulching mowers work well, you can also use a regular rotary mower by removing the catcher bag and making several passes over the leaves.
-
Watch for Debris: Before mowing, check the lawn for any debris like rocks or sticks that could be hazardous to your mower blades or cause projectiles.
-
Mower Height: Lower the mower height 1-2 settings to ensure your blades effectively shred the leaves without cutting the grass too short. It is very crucial to always use a sharp mowing blade or reel.
-
Fall Activity: Cool-season grasses like tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass are actively growing in the fall, making them more resilient to the mulching process.
Leaves that are left on the surface of the lawn for long periods of time can suffocate the grass. Shredding or mulching leaves and recycling them into the soil adds valuable nutrients and organic material to the lawn as they decompose. Once leaves start to fall, it is best to remove them every 5-7 days to keep from smothering the lawn. There are many benefits to removing leaves from the lawn, landscape, and hardscape. However, it is important to find a balance between removal and recycling. Avoid mulching wet leaves because they will clump and lead to issues with mowing, blowing, and raking. Breaking up the leaf tissue into small particles (dime-sized) with rotary, mulching mowers works well. Best of luck and “happy raking”!
