Rake up my leaves or leave them on the grass? - Ask Extension
Hello, I live in Loveland, CO and I'm wondering if it is wise to allow the leaves to remain on my lawn throughout the winter. I've read that it cou...
Knowledgebase
Rake up my leaves or leave them on the grass? #855207
Asked November 13, 2023, 3:41 PM EST
Hello,
I live in Loveland, CO and I'm wondering if it is wise to allow the leaves to remain on my lawn throughout the winter. I've read that it could lead to mold or fungus on the grass in the spring and then I've read that it's good for your lawn; that leaving the leaves over the winter allows them to work as an organic fertilizer as they breakdown over the winter. This is usually not a problem as the landscape company picks up most of the leaves on the last mow of the season. However, this year our trees still have plenty of leaves that have not dropped. Please, which one is it - to rake or not to rake?
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Linda,
You can leave the leaves on the lawn, but they should be mowed to break them into smaller pieces. Whole leaves can lead to disease and matted turf.
As long as you can see some green grass following mowing, the layer of leaves will decompose and provide nutrients to the turf and soil. There's also evidence that it helps prevent perennial weeds, like dandelions!
So leave the leaves...but just mow/mulch them to break them up.
You can leave the leaves on the lawn, but they should be mowed to break them into smaller pieces. Whole leaves can lead to disease and matted turf.
As long as you can see some green grass following mowing, the layer of leaves will decompose and provide nutrients to the turf and soil. There's also evidence that it helps prevent perennial weeds, like dandelions!
So leave the leaves...but just mow/mulch them to break them up.
