Should fallen leaves be removed from lawn?

As autumn takes hold, one of the inevitable consequences is falling leaves. But how badly will they affect your lawn?

Walking through carpets of crisp, fallen leaves is enjoyable when out on a countryside stroll. However, leaves falling on your garden lawn can be problematic if left to accumulate.

In this article, we will share everything you need to know about leaves falling on your lawn: should you leave them, what damage they can do, and how to remove them effectively.

Will Fallen Leaves Damage Your Lawn?

Ultimately, yes, fallen leaves will damage your lawn if left. Thick layers of fallen leaves, especially damp leaves, will block sunlight, trap moisture and reduce airflow to your grass.

A light scattering of dry leaves is usually ok, but a carpet of wet leaves creates the perfect environment for moss growth, fungal disease and thinning patches of grass across your lawn.

Our advice? Remove fallen leaves regularly from your lawn to keep your grass healthy.

Read More: Autumn Leaves, Autumn Lawns

What Problems Can Fallen Leaves Do to Your Lawn?

Leaves falling onto your grass won’t cause any damage. The problems occur when leaves remain on your lawn for long periods.

Here are the key problems fallen leaves cause:

They block sunlight

Even in autumn, grass still needs sunlight to grow and produce energy to feed the grass roots.

A thick layer of leaves will reduce photosynthesis, discolour grass and weaken your lawn over time.

Read More: How to Help Sunlight Get to the Roots of Your Lawn

They trap moisture

Wet leaves act like a blanket over your turf, reducing evaporation and preventing the surface from drying naturally after rainfall.

The issue is that excess moisture on top of your lawn creates the ideal spot for moss to grow, fungal disease to develop, and soft, unhealthy turf.

They reduce airflow

Healthy lawns need good air circulation. A heavy layer of leaves restricts airflow to the grass roots. This not only causes damp conditions that encourage moss and disease, but it can essentially suffocate your grass, leading to dead patches.

They encourage moss

Moss loves cool, damp, shaded environments – precisely what fallen leaves create if left to pile up on your grass.

If moss takes over, grass struggles to grow, weakens and allows moss and weeds to take over, leading to an unsightly lawn.

They create bare patches

When grass is deprived of sunlight and airflow, it begins to weaken and die back, resulting in patches where it simply won’t grow.

Not only does this create a patchy-looking lawn, but it’ll make overseeding harder for come spring. Removing leaves is a simple solution to avoid this issue.

Read More: How to Fix Dry Grass and Brown Spots on Your Lawn

When Should You Be Concerned About Fallen Leaves?

Most lawns, new or old, can cope with a few days of leaf cover without any lasting problems. However, you should remove leaves as soon as possible if:

• They completely cover the grass
• The weather is wet
• Leaves have started to stick together
• Moss is already present
• Your grass is struggling underneath
• Your lawn receives little sunlight

Are Fallen Leaves Ever Good for Your Garden?

For your garden? Absolutely!

While fallen leaves are not ideal for your lawn, they are a valuable natural resource elsewhere in your garden.

Rather than throwing leaves away, consider using them to:

• Create a nutrient-rich compost for flowerbeds
• Make leaf mould to improve soil structure
• Add as a layer to protect roots during cold weather
• Build habitats for insects and hedgehogs

How Often Should You Remove Fallen Leaves?

During peak autumn leaf fall, it’s a good idea to check your lawn every few days. Regular maintenance is much easier than clearing large piles once they become wet and compacted.

As a general rule, remove leaves:

• At least once a week
• After periods of strong wind
• Following heavy rain
• Before the first frosts

How to Remove Fallen Leaves From Your Lawn

To banish fallen leaves and avoid lawn damage, take action as soon as leaves start to build up. Here are 5 effective methods:

• Rake them up

Use a bamboo rake with wire or plastic tines, raking small sections at a time, lightly lifting the leaves as you go.

Take care not to rake down to the soil, as this can damage grass blades. Empty the leaf piles into a garden waste bag.

• Mow them up

Set your lawnmower blades higher to safely mulch up fallen leaves as you mow.

The shredded leaf pieces will decompose into the lawn, adding nutrients back into the soil.

• Blow them away

A leaf blower is an effortless way to clear leaves from your lawn.

Blow fallen leaves across the lawn and into one pile for easier removal. This method is best for clearing large volumes of leaves quickly.

Speak to the Experts

If you’re struggling with leaf fall, then don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly customer service team.

You can also explore our website for premium turf and topsoil, stunning stone paving, or our Turf University for expert advice to help you get the most from your garden.

FAQs

Will fallen leaves kill my grass?

Not straight away, but thick layers of wet leaves left on your lawn for several weeks will. They’ll block sunlight, restrict airflow and trap moisture that will cause your grass to weaken and die.

Can I mow over fallen leaves?

Yes, you can mow over dry leaves using a mulching mower. This’ll finely cut the leaves, allowing them to break down and feed the soil. Avoid mowing large piles of leaves, as they can clog your mower.

Can I rake wet leaves?

Yes, you can rake wet leaves. Focus on small areas and don’t press too hard and damage the soil.

What can I do with fallen leaves?

There are lots of ways to reuse fallen leaves that benefit your garden’s health: creating leaf mould, adding them to compost, layering them across flowerbeds, or placing them into your garden recycling.

How often should I remove leaves from my lawn?

During autumn, remove fallen leaves at least once a week or more frequently after storms or strong winds.