Why You Should Never Rake Your Leaves, According to Experts

Leaving your leaves alone can boost the health of your lawn, garden beds, local ecosystem, and more.

Autumn is here, and vibrant leaves will inevitably blanket your yard. It's a beautiful sight, but it's also the time when those who want a tidier lawn reach for their rakes and get to work. And while raking can be a fun fall activity, there are plenty of reasons for you to leave the leaves alone. For one, skipping out on seasonal raking will not only save you time but also boost the health of your local ecosystem and garden beds. Fallen leaves can even offer a safe space for important pollinators over the winter months.

"If you still want to rake your leaves but want your land and local wildlife to reap the benefits of not raking, Garland encourages you to designate a small "no rake" area in your yard every year."

Of course, old habits die hard, and raking has become a familiar fall tradition for many. To make the case for a leafy yard, we spoke to the experts, who shared eight reasons why you should put the rake aside and let the foliage be this year.

Meet the Expert

• Ankit Singh , assistant professor at the University of Maine and horticulture educator
• Kate Garland , a professional horticulturist at the University of Maine
  

Related: How to Create a Beautiful Fall Garden, From Prep to Planting

Creates Natural Mulch—Enriches Soil

When leaves decompose on your lawn, they break down into a natural mulch that enriches the soil . “This process releases essential nutrients directly into the ground such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium,” says Ankit Singh, an assistant professor at the University of Maine in the horticultural sciences department. “These nutrients feed the grass and plants, helping them grow more robustly and promoting better root development.”

According to Singh, unlike synthetic fertilizers, this organic approach improves soil structure and enhances its ability to retain moisture and resist compaction, fostering a healthier lawn ecosystem. The leaves can also be used as a natural (and free!) mulch, or as a weed suppressant.

Tips

Many gardeners like to wait until late spring to collect and shred leaves, then apply a 1 to 2-inch layer around their vegetable gardens , says Kate Garland, a professional horticulturist at the University of Maine.

Shelters Wildlife—Boosts Biodiversity

Fallen leaves provide critical shelter for wildlife, including beneficial insects, small animals, and even certain bird species . “Leaf litter serves as an overwintering habitat for pollinators like butterflies and bees and decomposers like beetles and earthworms,” says Singh. “These insects play vital roles in breaking down organic matter, aerating the soil, and contributing to nutrient cycling.” Additionally, Singh explains, birds may forage in the leaves for insects, contributing to natural pest control—a win-win for gardeners.

Reduces Waste in Landfills

Many people bag their raked leaves and send them to landfills, which leads to environmental problems. “Once in landfills, organic matter like leaves is often deprived of oxygen, causing it to break down anaerobically and release methane—a potent greenhouse gas," says Singh. By letting leaves decompose naturally in your yard, you reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills and limit your household’s carbon footprint .

Related: 8 Fall Gardening Mistakes That Have a Long-Term Impact on Your Yard

Retains Moisture—Lowers Utility Bills

Leaves can be particularly beneficial in arid regions or during dry seasons. “A layer of leaves acts like a natural barrier on the soil, helping it retain moisture by reducing evaporation,” says Singh. “It ensures that the soil and roots below will stay hydrated for extended periods, reducing the need for frequent watering, conserving resources, and lowering utility bills.”

Prevents Soil Erosion—Boosts Nutrients

A layer of leaves can stop erosion too, which can otherwise strip a yard of its fertility. “Leaves create a protective covering that shields soil from heavy rains, wind, and other erosive forces," says Singh. This is particularly important in areas where soil is prone to runoff or degradation. By allowing leaves to remain, you preserve the topsoil, which contains the most nutrients.

Tips

If you still want you rake your leaves, but want your land and local wildlife to reap the benefits of not raking, Garland encourages you to designate a small "no rake" area in your yard every year.

Manages Water Runoff—Allows Better Absorption

“Leaves play a crucial role in managing water runoff in sloped areas, particularly near bodies of water,” says Garland. They do this by slowing the movement of water across the soil surface, allowing for better absorption.

Promotes an Overall Healthier Lawn

If you want the best for your lawn health, then let the leaves boost your green carpet this season. “When we tidy up our landscapes by removing leaves, we deprive the soil of many benefits,” says Garland. “Lawns can thrive under a moderate layer of leaf cover during winter." In turn, this will boost the health of your lawn in seasons to come.

According to Garland, using onsite resources like leaves to boost the health of your land reduces reliance on plastic-bagged products, as well as items transported over long distances. So it's a win for sustainability too!

Related: 12 Fall Garden Ideas for a Colorful Transition to Autumn

Tips for Making Raking Better

Whether or not you're completely sold on ditching the rake this season, here are a handful of other ways you can keep a tidy-looking yard—while still supporting your local ecosystem and boosting lawn health.

Composting : If your community doesn’t offer local composting , you can start your own compost pile where the nutrient-packed leaf matter can be used on your garden beds. You can also offer a neighbor or local farmer your fallen leaves for their garden or their farm animals.

Mullet Gardening: If you rake the most-used areas of your yard and leave the other spots alone, you'll get a tidy yet wild appearance. This is called mullet gardening: “It perfectly encapsulates the idea of blending tidiness with natural beauty,” says Garland.

Shred or Mow : If you have heavy leaf matter, then you can shred or mow your leaves and leave them in place. Try and do this in early fall though, as it will kill any insects that have settled in over the autumn months.

Read the original article on Martha Stewart .