Do You Really Need to Rake Your Leaves? We Asked a Lawn-Care Expert, and the Answer May Surprise You
Every fall, it starts the same way. The air turns crisp, your rake reappears from the garage, and your weekend calendar mysteriously fills up with “yard work.” Half a dozen leaf piles later, you’re sweaty, sore and starting to doubt the point. After all, the leaves look beautiful blanketing the grass, and you’ve heard whispers that maybe, just maybe, it’s better to leave them alone.
Still, it’s hard not to feel the urge to tidy up when your yard starts resembling an abandoned lot and your homeowners association gives you not-so-subtle clues you’re ruining the neighborhood’s vibe. So what’s the right move? Should you rake, mulch or let nature take its course? We asked an expert to settle the debate.
Leave any assumptions at the curb, and read on to find out what to do with your fallen foliage.
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Why shouldn’t you rake all your leaves?
Fallen leaves are good for the earth and its creatures, according to Spencer Campbell, the manager of the Plant Clinic at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois. He’s spent years studying what really happens when leaves hit the ground and reveals that, for many environmentally minded homeowners, letting the leaves lie is less about laziness and more about smart stewardship.
Need more convincing? Below are three reasons he avoids raking up and bagging all of the fallen leaves on his lawn.
They’re good for your garden
When left in the right places, fallen leaves act as natural mulch, insulating the soil and protecting plant roots through fluctuating winter or dry-season temperatures.
“They’re like a cozy blanket for your plants,” Campbell says. As they decompose, they also enrich your soil with nutrients—essentially free, all-natural fertilizer. So your hands-off approach could actually help next summer’s garden bloom.
They support pollinators and wildlife
Those scattered leaves aren’t a mess—they’re a habitat. “Fireflies, butterflies and native bees rely on fallen leaves for shelter through the winter,” Campbell explains. “Leaving them helps support the insects that keep our ecosystems healthy.”
It saves time and energy
The most obvious perk? You can reclaim your weekends. “It’s easier than bagging them up and hauling them away,” says Campbell. “You can skip the bags entirely and still do something good for your garden.”
Why should you rake some of your leaves?
A totally untouched yard may create problems of its own. As much as naturalists and lawn experts support the hands-off approach to fallen leaves, they note that there are a few downsides to this method.
Leaves can smother your lawn
A thick mat of leaves may trap moisture and keep turf grass from growing. But you can still make an eco-conscious choice: Campbell suggests blowing or raking leaves off turf areas and into garden beds, then mowing over the rest. The shredded bits will eventually decompose safely and feed your lawn.
A leaf-covered lawn can reduce curb appeal
A thin layer of gold and red looks charming; a soggy, decaying pile, less so. Keeping walkways and front lawns clear helps your home look cared-for and prevents slippery surfaces after rain or frost. Plus, it keeps that pesky HOA off your back.
Leaves may attract pests
Piles of damp leaves near foundations or storm drains can invite insects and rodents. Keep those areas clear to avoid bigger headaches later.
What’s the best approach to raking leaves?
The best strategy is a mindful balance. “I blow the leaves from my lawn into garden beds,” Campbell says. “That way, I protect my plants and support wildlife.”
Don’t have garden beds? Rake your leaves into a discreet corner of your yard to create a compost pile. Your soil will thank you come spring.
If your municipality requires leaf collection, check whether the leaves are composted or landfilled. “If they’re composted, great,” Campbell says. “If not, using them at home ensures they go to good use.”
What else should you keep in mind when raking?
Before you hang up the rake completely, take a quick look around. Leaves can cause more trouble in the wrong places than on your lawn. Keep them out of storm drains, where they can clog gutters and contribute to local flooding. And move them away from your home’s foundation, where trapped moisture can lead to rot or mold (not to mention pests).
If you live in a dry or wildfire-prone region, think defensively: Clear a 5-foot buffer around your home, fences and sheds to minimize fire risk. And don’t forget your sidewalks. Wet leaves can be slick as ice—one more reason to rake with purpose, not perfection.
Should you bag your leaves?
If you can help it, skip the plastic bags. Once leaves are sealed up and hauled away, many end up in landfills, where they break down without oxygen and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Even paper yard bags don’t always guarantee a greener fate; some cities compost yard waste, others don’t.
“Bagging them means giving up a resource your yard can actually use,” says Campbell. “If you leave them to decompose or add them to a compost pile, you’re keeping those nutrients in your soil instead of shipping them away.”
If you must bag your leaves, check your local waste guidelines. Some municipalities offer seasonal leaf pickup or community compost drop-offs.
At the end of the day, don’t stress if your yard isn’t perfectly raked. “There’s a shift happening,” Campbell says. “People are realizing a yard doesn’t have to be spotless to be healthy.”
RELATED:
- Calling All Leaf Peepers! Find Out When Fall Foliage Will Peak Across the U.S.
- The Best Places to See New England Fall Foliage
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Sources:
- Spencer Campbell, manager of the Plant Clinic at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois; interviewed, October 2025
- Mississippi State University: “To Rake or Not to Rake?”
- University of Minnesota: “Good Question: Do you really need to rake all those leaves?”
- University of New Hampshire: “Is It Absolutely Necessary to Rake the Leaves in the Fall or Can it Wait Until Spring?”
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