Why do you rake your yard?

Question

I just can't help but feel that raking leaves is one of those pointless chores that we impose upon ourselves for no particular reason. I guess what I really want to know is: does raking (or not raking) have any positive or negative impact on the health of the lawn?

Answer 1

raking leaves for most is usually and asthetic preference, however if you have a nice lawn and it becomes covered with falloff throught autumn and winter it can prevent your grass from getting sufficient sunlight, also the tannins in dead leaves are very acidic, can imbalance the ph of your soil as they deteriorate and upset your lawn. Raking is not the most fun task in the world but it can help your lawn. I would suggest hiring this chore or if not maybe consider purchasing a leaf blower - it might save you a blister or two. Leave blowers are most effective with dry leaves though, not wet. Hope this lends some insight..... good question

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
Why do you rake your yard?
I just can't help but feel that raking leaves is one of those pointless chores that we impose upon ourselves for no particular reason. I guess what I really want to know is: does raking (or not raking) have any positive or negative impact on the health of the lawn?

Answer 3

Rake The Yard

Answer 4

I mow the leaves on the lawn (using a rake only in the shrubs and borders). Then I dump out the bag, and mow over the pile again. Since I have a lot of oaks on the property, that gives me a good amount of shredded leaves, which I leave to decompose for a season and then use as a beneficial mulch in the flowerbeds.

Otherwise, with the quantity of trees I have, it would totally smother the grass in the sunny areas, (which would be fine by me, except I live in suburbia, not the woods...) but it would also smother the lush green beautiful moss I have in the shady parts...

Answer 5

We have a lot of oak and maple leaves in this area. Before we rake there is a layer about three inches deep covering the lawn, the steps, and the driveway. That is tough to ignore.

One year we had an area we hadn't raked before the hard frost and the leaves frozen into an irremovable layer. The next spring the grass in that area was suffocated and needed replanting.

Answer 6

Not raking means the leaves will still be there in the spring covering your lawn like a blanket, killing the grass.
I've noticed a lot of people using those blowers, easier than raking.
I prefer using the lawnmower to mulch them up, works well for fertilizer especially after it rots in the spring.

Answer 7

I rake leaves with a madness and put them through a shredder. Most of my leaves are oaks and they make the best free mulch for my flower garden and vegetable garden. No need to buy any mulch when I have all this natural mulch. It is great mulch for anywhere in your landscape. It also looks good when shredded, almost as good as wood chips. This kind of mulch makes plants winter over much easier than leaving them to the elements. The leaves then break down and become great compost.

Answer 8

Raking makes the lawn look a lot neater. If your lawn mower mulches the grass and leaves as you cut the lawn then leaves should be healthy for your lawn and you won't have to rake up the leaves or cut grass.

Answer 9

If you do not rake your leaves in fall, they will cover your grass and kill it in spots that they cover. Also fungus will grow and it will get to your plants as well. Raking is not just for aesthetics.

Answer 10

I run over my leaves with my lawn mower and bag. I have never raked except in the Spring in the flower beds. I have beautiful thick grass.