Expert: Leave those leaves on the ground this fall

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- If you have a yard, you probably also have a rake. But what if you are busy, or just lazy, and you don't want to use a rake this fall?

Experts have some good news -- most of you do not need to rake. 

UW-Extension Horticulturist Diana Alfuth says fallen leaves have nutrients, which can enrich your yard over the winter.

"The pieces of leaves will filter in between the grass, and they will decompose and they will recycle those nutrients and add organic matter. That's all really beneficial for the soil," she said.

To help that happen, Alfuth says put down the rake and start up the mower.

"You don't need a mulching mower, any mower will do," she said.

If you have a very thick layer of leaves, Alfuth says you'll probably have to do something about them.

"You do need to rake at least some of them off, for the health of the grass underneath," she said.

Every lawn and every homeowner are different, but Alfuth has a general raking rule of thumb.

"If you can see 40-50% of grass underneath those leaves, you don't need to rake a thing," she said.

There are undoubtedly some people who do like to rake. Alfuth says raking isn't bad, and it can sometimes be beneficial.

"If you're collecting leaves for the purpose of using them elsewhere, that's a reason to do some raking," she said.

So, if you want to rake this fall, go ahead. The rest of us will rest up, until we have to shovel.