Fall cleanup question: Is it better to rake up all the fallen leaves on my lawn, or can I just run them over with my mulching mower? I have a decent amount of leaf coverage and want to know what's healthier for my grass long-term. Any pros/cons to each method? What do you all do with your fall leaves?
top of page
To see this working, head to your live site.
Should I rake leaves or can I mulch them with my mower?
Should I rake leaves or can I mulch them with my mower?
2 comments
Like
2 Comments
Commenting on this post isn't available anymore. Contact the site owner for more info.
bottom of page
I usually mulch the leaves with my mower too, but only if the layer isn’t too heavy. It saves time and adds some nutrients back to the soil, which helps the grass in the long run. If there’s a thick blanket of leaves though, I’ll rake some of it away so the lawn can still breathe. Things like regular mowing along with light mulching seem to keep the yard looking healthier through fall.
You can mulch leaves with your mower if the coverage isn't too thick - aim for about 1 inch or less so grass can still breathe. Mulched leaves actually provide nutrients and organic matter as they decompose. However, if you have heavy leaf coverage, rake or bag the excess first, then mulch the remaining layer. Too many leaves can smother grass and create fungal issues. For thick oak or maple leaves, consider raking since they decompose slowly. If you're unsure about your specific situation, lawn care Waco can assess your yard and recommend the best approach for your grass type and leaf volume.