Autumn leaves bring colour to the garden, but they can also affect your lawn. A light scatter may do little harm, but a thick blanket left for weeks can block light, trap moisture and encourage moss and disease. Knowing when to clear leaves and when they can be useful helps you protect your turf without wasting a free resource.
Clear leaves regularly from the lawn during autumn. Use a rake or a blower-vac, and consider collecting them for compost or leaf mould. If leaves sit for long periods, especially when wet, they can smother the grass, reduce light and create conditions favourable to fungal problems.
Leaves make excellent compost or leaf mould. Stack them in a bin or wire cage and leave them to break down. The resulting material is valuable for mulching borders or improving soil. Shredded leaves break down faster and can also be used as a light mulch around plants.
Remove leaves before mowing so they don’t get mulched into the lawn surface—large amounts of leaf matter can create a dense layer that hinders grass growth. Keep the lawn clear through late autumn so it enters winter with plenty of light and air at the base.
A little attention during the leaf fall season keeps your lawn healthier and gives you a useful resource for the rest of the garden.
