12 Reasons to Always Rake Your Leaves

Let Grass Photosynthesize and Grow

One of the main reasons you should always rake your leaves is to ensure your grass has plenty of sun exposure. Grass requires exposure to the sun to convert nutrients into energy that support its growth and health. When you leave your leaves on the grass, it casts your lawn in shadow, making it less likely to grow and more susceptible to pests and diseases.

Prevent Snow Mold Growth

Snow mold, also known as Typhula incarnata or Typhula blight, is a fungus caused by cold weather and excess moisture. It typically occurs during the spring thaw, especially if leaves were trapped under the snow for the winter. It also looks like snow at a glance.

You can help eliminate snow mold by raking and fertilizing your lawn to promote new growth, though prevention is more effective. Avoid raking clear lawn areas during your efforts to avoid contamination, and always sterilize your rake afterward.

Prevent Dollar Spot

Dollar spot, also known as Clarireedia jacksonii syn. Sclerotinia homoeocarpa, is a fungal infection that affects grass subjected to high levels of stress or improper watering habits.

Avoid dollar spot by removing leaves that suffocate the grass to improve airflow and health. Invest in a fungicide treatment to eliminate this fungus.

Keep Slugs Away

Slugs love decaying, wet leaves casting a layer of darkness on your lawn. While they rarely impact the grass itself, they’re attracted to vegetable crops and gardens. Providing a safe haven that attracts them to your yard increases the risk that they’ll invade your garden.

Keep Insects and Spiders at Bay

Dying leaves create the perfect shelter for spiders, centipedes, earwigs, and other creepy crawlies. While most of these pests are harmless, they bring an ick factor that will make your yard less enjoyable. Additionally, the better the conditions for these bugs near your home, the more likely they’ll end up inside.

Avoid Attracting Rodents

Another compelling reason to avoid raking your leaves is to keep rodents away from your home. Mice and rats will hide under leaves to avoid predators, making it easier for them to travel across open expanses and arrive in your basement or walls.

Many rodents carry diseases and chew wires and insulation, increasing the risk of fire and mold growth in your home.

Prevent Slip and Fall Injuries

An often overlooked reason to rake your leaves is that they get quite slippery. This increases the fall risk for children playing in the yard, elderly folk enjoying the gardens, or you on a particularly bad day.

If a visitor slips and falls on wet leaves, you could also be found liable and find yourself on the bad end of an expensive lawsuit.

Reduce Flooding Risk

Don’t rely on the rain to wash away your leaves. The leaves could clog up storm drains and culverts, increasing the risk of flooding during heavy downpours and the spring thaw. The leaves also prevent moisture absorption in your lawn, contributing to this issue.

Simplify Lawn Care Applications

Leaves could block your lawncare efforts simply by being in the way. If you scatter fertilizer over leaves, it won’t sufficiently reach the grass. Seeding and aerating your lawn will also be more effective if old leaves aren’t blocking the grass.

Comply With Neighborhood Regulations

Some neighborhoods and municipalities have rules about raking leaves and general lawn care. Keep your lawn leaf-free to comply with local guidelines and avoid fines or angry neighbors.

Improve Curb Appeal

A healthy, leaf-free lawn will improve your curb appeal when selling your home. If you don’t plan on moving, you can enjoy the aesthetic benefits yourself!

Improve Yard Usability

Finally, raking your leaves makes your yard more usable and enjoyable, creating a more functional living space. Your lawn will be healthy, pest-free, and safe, so you can get more out of your outdoor space.