Why do we need to rake/bag up leaves? Wont they biodegrade on their own?
In: 12397
[removed]
A heavy layer of leaves could smother the grass beneath them, thus killing the grass. But mostly we rake them up because its deemed as looking nicer than having them in your lawn
/#leavetheleaves!
[Here is a press release from the Nat’l Wildlife Federation about exactly this topic!](https://www.nwf.org/Home/Latest-News/Press-Releases/2019/09-25-19-Leave-the-Leaves)
TL;DR it’s to preserve the look of lawns and make it easier for pickup. There is no ecological benefit (and only harm) to be had from “cleaning it up” and your instinct is 100% correct 🙂
[removed]
Depending on climate the leaves might not easily biodegrade over winter, instead they flatten down on the yard and end up killing off the grass underneath come springtime.
This is less an issue in climates with warmer winters as the warmer temps keep the biodegradation process moving along so the leaves break down much more quickly.
We don’t need to, we choose to, mostly because it looks nice. As a disadvantage, they can smother out grass (when in large quantities, otherwise it’s beneficial) or clog water drainage.
Not removing your leaves will result in them biodegrading and in a much healthier and biodiverse soil the next year.
Dont rake your leaves, mulch them. When you mow dont use a bag you lawn clippings and leaves will ad nitrogen back to the soil.
In my experience they won’t quite be gone in one winter if whole, but return to soil if shredded by a mulching blade easily. Just mulch your leaves and enjoy the free bit of fertilizer or rake them into your mulch pile and enjoy the fertile soil in your garden.
[removed]
[removed]
Latest Answers