Should I rake up every leaf that falls in my yard? Here's what this local expert says

Fall is here.

Say goodbye to tank tops and sunsets after 7 p.m., and hello to the leaves as they begin their descent from the treetops that line your street and come to a rest on the lawn.

It may be human nature to want to rake the leaves before they pile up, but are there some leaves that don't need to be raked right away? Leaves that could actually prove to be beneficial?

Yes, according to Adrianne Tanner, an arborist for the Barberton Tree Service.

Here's what we know about leaf removal and what to do if you believe there may be some diseased leaves in your lawn.

What are the benefits of not raking up all of your leaves?

Animal life could potentially benefit from leaving the leaves untouched in your yard, Tanner said.

"Leaving the leaves as is offers a place for certain insects and microorganisms to [survive the winter]," Tanner noted. "Hiding under the leaf layer keeps them warm and safe and gives the opportunity for them to stay in the same habitat they were accustomed to."

Besides providing a safe haven for certain insects, leaving some leaves raked in a pile on your lawn can actually prove beneficial for the soil, Tanner noted.

"The piles decompose naturally and add in organic material and nutrients back into the soil without the use of fertilizers or the need to purchase soil amendments," Tanner said.

The decomposed leaf piles can be used interchangeably for planting or instead of hardwood mulch in the springtime, Tanner said.

"Just make sure you use a light layer if you are using for mulch so you don't suffocate delicate root systems," she said. "A 2-inch layer of mulch material is the best rule of thumb to follow. More than this 2-inch layer can cause future plant problems for trees and landscapes."

While the leaves lying on the ground may look like they are going to damage your landscape, they will dry and decompose naturally over time, Tanner said.

How to determine if a leaf or tree appears diseased

It's possible for some leaves to be diseased and spread their diseases to your lawn if left unraked, according to TruGreen .

There are a few things homeowners can look for on their own to determine if the leaves on their lawn appear diseased, Tanner noted.

"[Any] black or brown spots, areas where there are holes or marks in the leaves from insects eating them, yellowed or blackened areas," she said.

She also recommended monitoring to see if the leaves are dropping earlier and earlier each fall.

"Early leaf drop can signify the tree doesn't have enough energy to keep the leaves on the tree like it should," Tanner said.

To help determine the health of the trees in your yard, Tanner also recommended examining the branch ends to make sure leaves grow all the way to the tips during summer and early fall.

"Check for dead branches, dark colored wounds on the bark, damaged areas that haven’t healed over, and of course mushrooms or conks growing on the roots or trunk which could signal internal decay issues," Tanner noted.

It’s important to have a professional come look at your tree and leaves if you suspect they may have a disease and before disposing of the leaves on your own, Tanner said.

"There are so many diseases and so many different options when it comes to determining if a leaf or tree is diseased that it's best to contact a certified arborist who can give you the best recommendation," she said. "Sometimes a tree has grown so old that it is past its prime and that's why it looks diseased."

Some of these leaves won't actually spread any further disease while other leaves containing fungal diseases can affect the tree canopy and create a cycle of diseased leaves, which is why homeowners should seek professional consultation regarding any leaf they think is damaged. It is important to seek this professional opinion on how to remove these leaves so they don't cause damage to your or your neighbors' property.

"An ISA Certified Arborist will always give you the best option for leaf disposal and even treatment options depending on what type of tree and what type of disease, if any, your tree is experiencing," Tanner said.

Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@gannett.com, or on Twitter @athompsonABJ

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Should I rake up every leaf that falls in my yard? Here's what this local expert says