9th May 2025 | GT
As autumn turns gardens golden, the question many homeowners ask is: should I rake up the fallen leaves or leave them where they fall? While a carpet of leaves can look seasonal and natural, the answer depends on where those leaves land and what you want from your outdoor space.
Why You Might Rake Them Up
- Lawn Health: A thick layer of leaves left on the lawn can block sunlight, trap moisture, and lead to fungal problems or patchy grass.
- Slippery Surfaces: Leaves on patios, driveways or paths can become slippery, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Neat Appearance: Raking gives your garden a tidy, well-kept look, especially in high-use or front-of-house areas.
- Preventing Pests: Large piles of soggy leaves can create hiding places for pests like slugs and snails.
Why You Might Leave Them
- Wildlife Habitat: Piles of leaves offer shelter for insects, hedgehogs, and other beneficial creatures.
- Natural Mulch: Leaves that break down in flowerbeds feed the soil, suppress weeds and help with moisture retention.
- Less Effort: In low-traffic or wild areas of the garden, there's no harm in letting nature take its course.
The Best of Both Worlds
A good approach is to rake leaves off your lawn, paths, and patios, but then move them to beds, borders or compost bins. This way, you keep key areas clear while still reaping the benefits of leaf matter as a natural resource.
Conclusion
There’s no need to remove every last leaf from your garden. Instead, be selective. Keep your lawn and paths clear for safety and plant health, but consider leaving or relocating leaves to help your garden and local wildlife thrive. And if you need a hand with autumn garden tidying, L&J Outdoor Services are here to help keep your outdoor space clean, healthy, and beautiful.