Fall is officially here, and with it comes the need for fall cleanup. Many homeowners fail to realize the importance of leaves and debris in the autumn months. Not only can leaves create a mess on your property, but they can also lead to dangerous conditions if not cleaned up properly.
It is important to take the time to clean your lawn and yard every fall. Call a professional lawn care company for more information on how fall leaf cleanup can save your lawn today!
What’s In That Leaf Pile?
Fallen leaves of orange and red certainly give lawns a beautiful and unique appearance, which is why many people choose not to remove leaves as they fall. However, what many people don’t realize is that leaves can actually be quite dangerous if left unattended.
Leaves and debris falling into your yard is one of the most common ways lawn diseases start. Leaves that are left on the ground will eventually start to decompose, which provides the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow. If you have children or pets who play in your yard, they could be at risk of coming into contact with these harmful diseases.
Leaves can also create slip and fall hazards. When leaves are wet, they become slippery and can easily cause someone to lose their balance and fall. This is especially dangerous for elderly homeowners or those with mobility issues.
Most of all, when leaves cover too much of your lawn, you simply have no idea what is lurking underneath! Small animals, such as snakes and rodents, often take refuge in leaf piles. If you have young children who play outside, you definitely don’t want them coming into contact with these critters.
Damage To Lawns
In addition to the dangers posed to humans and animals, leaves can also be damaging to your lawn if they are not cleaned up properly. When leaves are left on the ground, they prevent sunlight and air from reaching the grass underneath. This can cause the grass to become weak and unhealthy. In extreme cases, it could even kill the grass entirely.
Leaves and tree debris can also smother and suffocate your lawn if they are not removed in a timely manner. Diseased leaves that fall onto your grass will spread the infection to your lawn. The same is true of any part of a tree or shrub that may be diseased. To avoid such issues, any fallen leaves or debris should be removed as soon as it is noticed.
Another problem that can arise from neglecting fall cleanup is that of thatch build-up. Thatch is the layer of dead grass, leaves, and other organic matter that forms between the soil and the green part of the grass. A thin layer of thatch is actually beneficial for your lawn as it helps to protect the roots and retain moisture. However, if too much thatch builds up, it can prevent water and nutrients from reaching the roots of your grass. This can lead to a host of problems, including yellowing and dying grass.
The Best Ways To Remove Leaves
Now that we’ve talked about the dangers of neglected fall cleanup, let’s discuss the best ways to remove leaves from your property. The first step is to gather all of the leaves into a pile. You can use a rake or blower to do this. Once you have a sizable pile, it’s time to start disposing of the leaves.
- If you have a compost bin, you can add the leaves to it. This is a great way to recycle them and turn them into something useful for your garden. If you don’t have a compost bin, you can simply bag up the leaves and put them out on the curb for trash pickup.
- Another option is to mulch the leaves with a lawn mower. This is a great way to quickly and easily get rid of leaves without having to do any extra work. Simply run the leaves over with your lawn mower a few times and they will be mulched into tiny pieces. You can then leave them on your lawn as they will eventually decompose and provide nutrients for your grass. However, keep in mind that some people advise against this practice, as it could lead to spreading the infection of diseased leaves.
- A final option is to burn the leaves. This should only be done if it is legal in your area and you take proper safety precautions. Never leave a fire unattended and make sure the fire is completely out before you leave the area.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many dangers associated with neglected fall cleanup. Leaves can harbor diseases, create slip and fall hazards, and damage your lawn if they are not removed properly. To avoid these problems, be sure to clean up any fallen leaves in a timely manner, or call a local lawn care professional to remove the leaves for you.