A fall landscaping guide to protect your yard and get the most from those falling leaves
Every autumn, homeowners are met with the same question: what should I do with all these leaves?
While the bright colors are a seasonal highlight, the piles they leave behind can impact your lawn’s health if not handled properly. Some people rake everything. Others mulch it. And a few might leave the leaves altogether. But which is actually best?
Here’s a breakdown of the options and what your yard really needs this fall.
1. Removing Leaves Completely: When It’s Necessary
Sometimes the best option is full removal — especially when leaves are dense or soggy.
Why you should clear them out:
- Thick leaf cover blocks sunlight and air from reaching your grass
- Wet, matted leaves invite mold, rot, and lawn diseases
- Piles left near hardscape can stain patios or clog drains
Best for:
- Lawns with poor drainage or heavy shade
- Yards surrounded by large deciduous trees
- Preparing the ground for fall overseeding or aeration
2. Mulching Leaves into Your Lawn: A Smart, Eco-Friendly Option
Shredding leaves into small pieces with a mulching mower is a great way to return nutrients to the soil — if done correctly.
Benefits of mulching:
- Acts like natural fertilizer for your lawn
- Saves time and reduces waste
- Keeps the soil warm and improves moisture retention
But be careful:
- Too many whole or wet leaves won’t break down — they’ll smother your grassns with poor drainage or heavy shade
- Only mulch when you can cut leaves into dime-sized pieces
3. Letting Leaves Be: When It’s Okay to Leave Them Alone
Leaving some leaf cover is actually helpful — especially in garden beds or wooded areas.
Where it works:
- Garden beds where leaf cover protects roots and suppresses weeds
- Naturalized or non-lawn areas that don’t require mowing
- Wildlife gardens (some insects and pollinators overwinter in leaf litter)
Important:
Don’t let leaves build up on active lawn areas — this leads to dead grass and compaction.
What’s the Right Choice for Your Yard?
Every property is different. Some areas may benefit from mulching, others from full removal. The key is knowing which zones need what.
At D & M Landscaping, our Seasonal Landscape Maintenance Services include:
- Fall leaf clean-up
- Lawn aerating and dethatching
- Lawn repair and replacement
We tailor fall clean-up based on your landscape, so your yard is protected now and healthy come spring.
Let’s Clean Up Your Yard the Right Way
Don’t let fallen leaves become a problem later. Whether you need clean-up, mulching, or full seasonal care, we’re here to help.
