To Rake or Not to Rake Your Leaves this Fall (and Why)

As soon as the leaves start to change color, many of Maine homeowners start to think about raking them up. 

After all, no one wants a yard full of dead leaves, right? Well, it turns out that you may be doing more harm than good by raking your leaves. Here's why you shouldn't rake your leaves this fall — and what you should do with them instead.

The Trouble With Raking Fall Leaves

One of the biggest problems with raking leaves is that they can damage your lawn. When you rake, you’re essentially scraping the top layer of grass off of your yard. This can cause brown patches and make it more difficult for your property to recover come springtime.

In addition, all that raking can also be bad for your back. Bending over constantly to pick up leaves puts a lot of strain on your spine and can lead to back pain. And if you have a lot of trees on your property, chances are you'll be spending a lot of time raking!

Finally, all those leaves that you rake up have to go somewhere. Often, they end up in landfill, where they take up valuable space. And while some towns offer leaf pick-up services, those leaves still usually end up in the landfill — they simply make a few stops along the way first.

So, What Should You Do With Your Leaves?

You’re probably thinking: “If I’m not supposed to rake them, and I don't want them in the landfill, what am I supposed to do with all these leaves?” 

The answer is simple: leave them where they are! That's right, leave them on your lawn and let nature take its course. Mother Nature will eventually turn those dead leaves into nutrient-rich compost that will help your lawn and garden thrive.

And if you're worried about your lawn looking messy, don't be. A little bit of leaf coverage does wonders for protecting your grass from the harsh Maine winters, so it's a win-win!

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Don't waste your time (or energy) raking up leaves this fall. Instead, let them decompose on your lawn, where they'll eventually turn into nutrient-rich compost. Not only is this better for your yard, but it's also better for the environment!

For help in the greater Buxton, Maine area with your landscaping needs, contact us at Prime Cut Landscaping & Lawn Care today!