If you dread the leaf-raking and bagging chore each Fall, I have good news for you. You can stop doing it now. No more aching back and wasted time. Instead just mow over those fallen leaves to chop them into tiny pieces. This is called mulching and not only does it save you a lot of time, it also improves your lawn.
Improve Your Soil By Raking Less
As the chopped leaves decompose, they boost the soil with valuable nutrients. Your lawn will get a great nitrogen boost like free fertilizer.
Based on research at Michigan State, over time you will see a drastic decrease in dandelions and crabgrass. And come Spring, you will notice a much greener lawn.
The shredded leaves will soon filter through the grass and disappear from sight. At that time, microbes and worms get to work recycling them.
How To Mulch Your Leaves
The goal is to chop the leaves into small pieces. You can use a regular lawn mower however you may need to make an extra pass or two over the leaves. If you use a mower that blows the leaves out to the side, start mowing on the outside edge of your lawn, shooting the leaves toward the middle of the yard. This way you will mow over the leaves more than once and keep them from blowing on the sidewalk or driveway.
Don’t Leave The Leaves Whole
Leaving leaves whole on the ground blocks sunlight and air from reaching the grass. The rain then mats them down into a soggy mess. The lack of light and air can cause turf diseases or kill your grass.
We hope this helps you decide whether to rake them or mow them.
