Why Do We Have to Rake the Leaves From the Lawn?

Healthy Spring Lawn

• If you want to ensure your lawn is vibrant and has no bare patches in the spring, you should rake your leaves in the fall. According to the University of Idaho Extension, grass turf is still photosynthesizing to create and store energy before the snow falls. When leaves cover the grass, the blades are not able to absorb sunlight in order to complete the photosynthesis process. When piles of leaves become wet, they form thick mats that smother the turf's grass. During even the coldest months, grass needs air circulation, water and nutrients, and if they are smothered they will not be able to obtain these vital resources. You can also use your raking time to remove any potential thatch build-up that also prevents nutrients and water from reaching grass blade roots.

Pests and Disease

• Garden pests, such as slugs, coddling moths and snails, and fungi that cause plant diseases, such as leaf spots and blight, flourish in dark, warm and humid environments. Piles of decomposing leaves form an ideal habitat for these vermin. You should not only rake the leaves in the fall to prevent these problem organisms; routinely remove masses of leaves and debris from in and around your flower beds and vegetable gardens throughout the spring, summer and fall months.

Compost

• If you have a compost bin, raked up leaves can make up the essential "brown" ingredient for the decomposing environment, states Improve Your Home and Garden. Use a shredder or a mulch mower to break up the leaves, when dry, into quarter-sized pieces or add them to the compost bin whole. You can also run a standard lawn mower over the piles of leaves, states the University of Wisconsin-Extension. It might be worthwhile to set out a tarp to dump out and collect the leaf bits on for easy transfer to the compost bin. You will reap the rewards come spring when you have a rich organic mixture ready to add to your garden. If you do not have your own compost, ask your neighbors if they could benefit from your "brown gold."

Mulch

• You can also use fallen leaves as a mulch in your yard to provide nutrients to your lawn and winter protection to your perennial beds. Again, use a lawnmower or shredder to break the leaves into quarter-sized pieces before spreading them over your lawn or garden. By breaking down the leaves into smaller pieces, you will not run the risk of dense mats forming that would have an impact on the health of your outdoor landscape.