Gardeners should rake or mow their lawns at least once a week in autumn, as fallen leaves left to accumulate can smother grass, block vital sunlight and oxygen, and lead to a weakened, patchy lawn by spring. The advice comes from Jade Ivory of Green Thumb, who warns that this simple weekly task is crucial during October.
Why Autumn Leaves Are a Problem
Lawns often look tired in autumn, still recovering from summer heat, drought, and heavy foot traffic. A yellow or sparse appearance is not necessarily a cause for concern, and October offers perfect conditions for grass to recover — provided fallen leaves are removed.
Ivory explained: "Leaves left to accumulate on your lawn can smother the grass beneath, depriving it of vital sunlight and oxygen. This can lead to a weakened, patchy lawn come spring."
How Leaves Damage Grass
Sunlight is essential for lawns throughout the year, but in autumn it is particularly important for grass to build up energy reserves before winter. Photosynthesis produces sugars that strengthen roots, helping them store energy and absorb nutrients to endure the cold.
If a lawn becomes smothered in leaves, the grass deteriorates, roots wither, and large areas can die, leaving bare patches in spring. Moss also becomes more prevalent in wet weather, and weak grass cannot resist it, leading to waterlogged lawns that attract disease and pests.
Best Ways to Deal with Fallen Leaves
A scattering of leaves is acceptable, but a thick, sodden layer can damage grass significantly. The preferred method is raking, which removes leaves entirely, but mowing to shred them into small fragments also prevents damage as they decompose quickly.
Gardeners should pay close attention after heavy rainfall, when leaves are most likely to mat together and block light and air. Fallen leaves can also be added to a compost heap, where they break down into leaf mould — a nutritious mulch for plants in spring.
