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As the leaves start to change colors and fall, you may be tempted to leave them on your lawn and let nature take its course. However, there are several reasons why it's important to pick up leaves in the fall for the health of your lawn and garden. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of fall leaf cleanup and why it's important to prioritize this task.
1. Aesthetics
One of the most obvious reasons to pick up leaves in the fall is for the aesthetic appeal of your lawn. A thick layer of leaves can make your lawn look messy and unkempt, which can be a turn-off for potential buyers if you are looking to sell your home. By regularly cleaning up leaves, you can maintain a neat and tidy appearance for your lawn.
2. Lawn Health
Leaves left on the lawn can block sunlight and prevent air circulation, which can lead to the growth of mold and fungus. This can cause damage to your grass and create an unhealthy environment for your lawn. Additionally, leaves can also smother your grass and prevent it from receiving the necessary nutrients and water it needs to thrive. By picking up leaves, you can ensure that your lawn stays healthy and green.
A few easy ways to pick up leaves is mowing every couple of days especially if you have leaf-dropping trees in your yard. Another idea is to hire a company to come do the work...how easy is that?! If you like an old-school method of raking into piles, try to work in sections rather than trying to do the whole yard at once. Be sure to avoid rainy days or the day after rain as the leaves will be heavy and wet making the process more miserable than it has to be.
3. Pest Control
Leaves can also attract pests such as rodents and insects, which can cause damage to your lawn and garden. Piles of leaves can provide a warm and cozy hiding spot for these pests, making it easier for them to infest your yard. By regularly cleaning up leaves, you can reduce the risk of pest infestations and protect your lawn and garden.
4. Easier Spring Cleanup
Leaves left on the lawn over the winter can become wet and compacted, making them more difficult to clean up in the spring. By regularly picking up leaves in the fall, you can prevent this buildup and make spring cleanup much easier and less time-consuming.
5. Composting
Fall leaves can be a valuable resource for your garden. By collecting and composting leaves, you can create a nutrient-rich soil amendment that can be used in your garden beds in the spring. This not only reduces waste but also provides a natural and eco-friendly way to nourish your plants.
If you're interested in composting your leaves, you'll first want to shred your leaves with a mower or once they're in a bin, use a weed wacker and an up and down motion to shred the leaves.
Then you'll want to:
Layer the leaves with fresh grass clippings, food waste, or manure to infuse nitrogen which helps the composting process.
Alternate between layers of leaves and a high-nitrogen product (listed above), keeping the overall volume of each type about equal until the pile is about three feet tall and wide.
Turn the compost once a month. This can be done by transferring it to another bin or pile with a pitchfork or shovel. (If you want this composting process to go quicker, turn the leaves more often and moisten the pile each time you turn it.)
Dry out your compost pile when it smells soggy or rotten by adding dry leaves, straw, or sawdust. The whole pile should have a similar moisture level. Finished compost is dark in color, crumbly in texture, and smells earthy.
Most of all use patience when composting. This process can take months or even a year or more.
Fall Leaf Cleanup Services
If you don't have the time or resources to do fall leaf cleanup yourself, consider hiring a professional fall leaf cleanup service. These services can save you time and effort, and they have the necessary equipment to efficiently remove leaves from your lawn.
There are many reasons to pick up leaves in the fall, from maintaining a neat appearance to promoting the health of your lawn and garden. By prioritizing fall leaf cleanup, you can ensure that your outdoor space stays beautiful and healthy all year round. Have you started your fall leaf cleanup yet? Let us know in the comments. Otherwise, give us a call and we can get you on our fall cleanup schedule to keep your yard looking and feeling its best.
