This is the time of year when all the comics focus on raking leaves; when puppies are drawn running through neatly raked piles ready to be bagged and sent off to the landfill. Maybe you’ve been asking yourself if raking is still the best way to go. There are plenty of websites and social media posts about raking and why it’s better to just “let those leaves lie.” However, those posts aren’t stopping your HOA from asking you to comply with the neighborhood rules about lawn neatness. So, is it better to rake? Or to let the leaves lie?
The answer is YES. While that might sound counterintuitive, or impossible, frankly, here’s what we mean:
YES, you should rake most of your leaves if they’re covering your lawn or on concrete or solid surfaces where they can cause a slipping hazard. Leaving leaves on your grass all winter can cause damage to your lawn. Sunlight and other nutrients can’t get through the leaves to the grass to keep it alive all winter.
However, it’s fine to let the leaves around your perennial shrubs and in your gardens remain if you want. These do provide a benefit of insulating insects over the winter and protecting perennial wildflowers.
One easy solution is to mow your leaves. Then they’re broken up enough to leave behind. They won’t cause issues with your lawn and those around the shrubs can still provide homes for overwintering bugs.
Follow us on Instagram for more tips, and be sure to contact us for help with all of your Grand Junction commercial and residential landscaping needs!