{"id":118171,"date":"2024-08-08T15:49:32","date_gmt":"2024-08-08T18:49:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/?p=118171"},"modified":"2025-10-17T09:24:05","modified_gmt":"2025-10-17T12:24:05","slug":"what-happens-if-you-dont-remove-leaves","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/leaf-removal\/what-happens-if-you-dont-remove-leaves\/","title":{"rendered":"What Happens If You Don&#8217;t Remove Fallen Leaves?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Leaving leaves on your lawn results in smothered, disease-infested grass, decreased curb appeal, and weed infestations.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Letting leaves cover up to 50% of your lawn is perfectly fine, but any more than that, and you\u2019re asking for trouble. There\u2019s a fine line between letting your lawn go au naturel and accidentally suffocating the grass.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-832f00e8-b422-4bb4-9ef4-68f82892c4a0\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \"> \t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\" style=\"\">When leaves are left sitting in your yard, it:<\/div> \t\t\t\t \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column\"> \t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/leaf-removal\/what-happens-if-you-dont-remove-leaves\/#0-suffocates-grass\" style=\"\">Suffocates Grass<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/leaf-removal\/what-happens-if-you-dont-remove-leaves\/#1-invites-fungal-growth\" style=\"\">Invites Fungal Growth<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/leaf-removal\/what-happens-if-you-dont-remove-leaves\/#2-attracts-pests\" style=\"\">Attracts Pests<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/leaf-removal\/what-happens-if-you-dont-remove-leaves\/#3-allows-for-weed-growth\" style=\"\">Allows for Weed Growth<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/leaf-removal\/what-happens-if-you-dont-remove-leaves\/#4-causes-drainage-issues\" style=\"\">Causes Drainage Issues<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/leaf-removal\/what-happens-if-you-dont-remove-leaves\/#5-creates-a-fire-hazard\" style=\"\">Creates a Fire Hazard<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/leaf-removal\/what-happens-if-you-dont-remove-leaves\/#6-delays-spring-recovery\" style=\"\">Delays Spring Recovery<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/leaf-removal\/what-happens-if-you-dont-remove-leaves\/#7-decreases-home%E2%80%99s-curb-appeal\" style=\"\">Decreases Home\u2019s Curb Appeal<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/leaf-removal\/what-happens-if-you-dont-remove-leaves\/#8-faq-about-removing-fallen-leaves\" style=\"\">FAQ About Removing Fallen Leaves<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-suffocates-grass\">Suffocates Grass<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When there is a pile of leaves covering your grass, it\u2019s impossible for sunlight to reach the turf. Too many leaves hinder airflow and smother your grass, stunting its growth. This leads to serious lawn issues, causing your grass to brown.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Heavy leaf cover can kill a patch of grass in a matter of weeks, especially in warmer weather. Mulch-mow or remove them once per week or when leaves cover around 50% of the lawn to prevent damage.<\/p>    <figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Protect your grass from being smothered by heavy leaf fall with <a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnstarter.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=leafRemoval\">LawnStarter\u2019s leaf removal service<\/a>. Last year, we completed nearly 12,000 leaf removal jobs at an average price of <strong>$158 per service<\/strong> and received an <strong>average rating of 4.3\/5<\/strong> from our customers.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-invites-fungal-growth\">Invites Fungal Growth<\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/AdobeStock_199758145-3.jpeg\" alt=\"Spring lawn grass affected by grey snow mold Typhula sp. in the April garden\" class=\"wp-image-124806\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/AdobeStock_199758145-3.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/AdobeStock_199758145-3-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/AdobeStock_199758145-3-656x437.jpeg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/AdobeStock_199758145-3-150x100.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/AdobeStock_199758145-3-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/AdobeStock_199758145-3-928x619.jpeg 928w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Snow mold. <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/jo\/images\/spring-lawn-grass-affected-by-grey-snow-mold-typhula-sp-in-the-april-garden\/199758145\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">maykal<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Moisture attracts fungal growth, and there will certainly be excess moisture if wet leaves are sitting on your lawn. Decaying, rotting leaves attract fungi and mold growth, especially in rainy and humid climates. If you don\u2019t rake the leaves before winter, it leaves your lawn at an increased risk for fungal diseases such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/what-is-snow-mold\/\">snow mold<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/what-is-dollar-spot\/\">dollar spot<\/a>, or pythium blight.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cLeaving whole leaves on the lawn through fall and winter can lead to disease issues,\u201d says Alison O\u2019Connor, Extension professor of horticulture at Colorado State University.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/lawn-fungus-treatments\/\">Lawn Fungus Treatments: Costs, Types, and Do They Work?<\/a><\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-attracts-pests\">Attracts Pests<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pests such as mice and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pest-control\/how-to-get-rid-of-voles\/\">voles<\/a> might decide to turn your leaf pile into their winter condo, causing extensive damage in the process. Leaves create a haven for many types of pests, including:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Insects<\/li>    <li>Reptiles<\/li>    <li>Rodents<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During the chilly season, animals seek shelter in leaf piles. Once these pests move into the bunches of leaves sitting on your lawn, there is a higher likelihood that they will find their way into your home.<\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-allows-for-weed-growth\">Allows for Weed Growth<\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/AdobeStock_217903509-1.jpeg\" alt=\"Crabgrass growing in clumps with long blade-like leaves invading weak, patchy, or compacted turfgrass areas.\" class=\"wp-image-115504\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/AdobeStock_217903509-1.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/AdobeStock_217903509-1-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/AdobeStock_217903509-1-150x113.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/AdobeStock_217903509-1-768x576.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Crabgrass. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/unkempt-garden-yard-with-crab-grass-and-clover-weeds\/217903509?asset_id=217903509\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Christian Delbert<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Smothered grass becomes sparse and sickly, creating bare patches where weeds can grow. Removing the leaves helps keep your grass robust, healthy, and resistant to weed growth.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related:<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-prevent-weed-growth-in-lawn\/\">How to Prevent Weeds From Growing in Your Lawn<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-revive-dead-lawn\/\">How to Revive a Dead Lawn<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-causes-drainage-issues\">Causes Drainage Issues<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When your gutters and drains are clogged with leaves, water is unable to properly drain from your roof, landscaping, or lawn. This causes drainage issues, such as:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/ways-to-get-rid-standing-water\/\">Standing water<\/a><\/li>    <li>Clogged gutters and storm drains<\/li>    <li>Water overflowing from gutters<\/li>    <li>Flooding<\/li>    <li>Roof leaks<\/li>    <li>Mold and mildew<\/li>    <li>Damage to surrounding plants<\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping-tips\/how-to-control-erosion\/\">Soil erosion<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pest-control\/how-to-get-rid-of-mosquitoes-in-yard\/\">Mosquitoes<\/a><\/li>    <li>Soggy, muddy lawn<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/improve-drainage-in-your-yard\/\">7 Ways to Improve Drainage in Your Yard<\/a><\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-creates-a-fire-hazard\">Creates a Fire Hazard<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fire spreads quickly when it has dry tinder like crisp, dry leaves. When dry leaves cover your lawn, it can endanger your house or any other outdoor wooden structure or furniture in your yard.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To keep your home hazard-free, regularly rake up the leaves on your property, especially if your area is experiencing a drought or is prone to wildfires.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/how-to-create-fire-resistant-landscaping\/\">How to Create Fire-Resistant Landscaping<\/a><\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-delays-spring-recovery\">Delays Spring Recovery<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If leaves sit on your lawn all winter, it will inhibit grass growth in the spring. Additionally, in the springtime, it worsens damage to the grass caused by wildlife such as voles or mice.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chilly winter weather puts enough stress on your lawn, so layers of leaves smothering your grass will only further stress your turf by depriving it of sufficient sunlight and airflow. As a result, it will be harder for your grass to recover come spring, and it may even kill your grass over winter.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pest-control\/how-to-repair-vole-damage\/\">How to Repair Vole Damage<\/a><\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-decreases-home%E2%80%99s-curb-appeal\">Decreases Home\u2019s Curb Appeal<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Leaves all over your lawn make your yard look unkempt, and it can signal that you don\u2019t really care about your home.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">General landscape upkeep \u2013 mulching, pruning shrubs, mowing \u2013 has a 104% return on investment, according to the National Association of Realtors. If you\u2019re selling your home, your front lawn is your potential homebuyer\u2019s first impression. Leaves, twigs, and a generally disheveled lawn can torpedo your home sale prospects.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/lawn-landscape-projects-increase-home-value\/\">Lawn and Landscape Items with the Greatest ROI<\/a><\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-faq-about-removing-fallen-leaves\">FAQ About Removing Fallen Leaves<\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1757925397498\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What are the Best Ways to Remove Fallen Leaves From My Yard?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\"><strong>Mulching<\/strong> is the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/leaf-removal\/best-ways-to-clean-up-leaves-in-your-yard\/\">best way to clean up fallen leaves<\/a>.<br\/><br\/>\u201cIt&#8217;s important that you <em>mulch or chop<\/em> the leaves,\u201d says O\u2019Connor. \u201cThe easiest way to manage leaves is to mulch them into the turf using your lawnmower.\u201d Mulching also reduces weed growth and returns organic matter and nutrients to your grass, she adds.<br\/><br\/>If you don\u2019t want to mulch, you can also <strong>rake your leaves<\/strong> or use a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/leaf-blowers-buyers-guide\/\">leaf blower<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/reviews\/best-leaf-vacuums\/\">leaf vacuum<\/a> to clear your yard of fallen leaves.<br\/><br\/><strong>See Related:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/leaf-removal\/best-tools-collect-leaves\/\">Best Tools to Use to Collect Autumn Leaves<\/a><\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1757925413720\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How Often Should I Remove Leaves From My Yard?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">You should <strong>mulch or remove the leaves in your yard within days after they drop onto your lawn.<\/strong> \u201cIn general, leaf removal is something that happens over a period of weeks, because trees don&#8217;t usually drop their leaves all at once,\u201d says O\u2019Connor.<br\/><br\/>It\u2019s best to deal with the leaves in small batches as they fall rather than wait to start after your tree has unloaded all its leaves. Leaf removal or mulching is much harder when there are more leaves in your yard.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1757925431038\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How Thick Can a Layer of Leaves Be Before it Damages My Grass?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">You can allow<strong> up to 50% leaf coverage<\/strong> on your lawn. It should be a light dusting, not a full-on blanket. This way, you get all the benefits without the downsides. \u201cAs long as you can still see green grass through the leaf layer, the layer is not too thick,\u201d says O\u2019Connor.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-leave-the-leaves-to-a-lawn-care-pro\">Leave the Leaves to a Lawn Care Pro<\/h2>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"514\" src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/atlanta-LS1-small.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"A well-maintained suburban neighborhood with trees, manicured lawns, and houses on a sunny day.\" class=\"wp-image-138732\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/atlanta-LS1-small.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/atlanta-LS1-small-300x193.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/atlanta-LS1-small-656x421.jpg 656w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/atlanta-LS1-small-150x96.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/atlanta-LS1-small-768x493.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lawn maintained by a LawnStarter pro in Atlanta, GA. Photo Credit: LawnStarter<\/figcaption><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If leaves have buried your lawn, it\u2019s time to take action. While raking leaves is a simple but back-breaking DIY task, it can take hours to clear a large lawn, leaving you exhausted.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you don\u2019t want to deal with an arduous and time-consuming DIY leaf-raking job, call a LawnStarter pro when the leaves start to fall. With <a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnstarter.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=leafRemoval\">LawnStarter\u2019s leaf removal services<\/a>, you can have your yard clear of leaves in no time.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/cost\/leaf-removal-price\/\">How Much Does Leaf Removal Cost?<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/leaf-removal\/what-to-do-with-fallen-leaves\/\">What to Do With Fallen Leaves in Your Yard<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/north-carolina\/goldsboro-nc\/how-to-remove-leaves-from-mulch-and-flower-beds\/\">How to Remove Leaves From Mulch and Flower Beds<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-479b40ba-e02c-4bfa-a0d0-32e2aaf876b4\" data-mobilecollapse=\"true\" data-desktopcollapse=\"true\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"false\"> <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-479b40ba-e02c-4bfa-a0d0-32e2aaf876b4\" tabindex=\"0\"> \t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-479b40ba-e02c-4bfa-a0d0-32e2aaf876b4\" style=\"color: #000000; \"><strong>Sources:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-479b40ba-e02c-4bfa-a0d0-32e2aaf876b4\">  <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/newsmediarelations.colostate.edu\/contacts\/allison-oconnor\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Alison O\u2019Connor<\/a>, Extension professor of horticulture at Colorado State University Extension, Fort Collins, CO. Personal interview.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/turf.umn.edu\/news\/good-question-do-you-really-need-rake-all-those-leaves\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Good Question: Do You Really Need to Rake All Those Leaves?<\/a>\u201d By Sam Bauer, Extension educator. University of Minnesota.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/extension.unh.edu\/blog\/2018\/10\/it-absolutely-necessary-rake-leaves-fall-or-can-it-wait-until-spring\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Is It Absolutely Necessary to Rake the Leaves in the Fall or Can it Wait Until Spring?<\/a>\u201d University of New Hampshire.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/hort.extension.wisc.edu\/2023\/09\/08\/leave-the-leaves-to-rake-or-not-to-rake\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Leave the Leaves. To Rake or not to Rake?<\/a>\u201d By Diana Alfuth, horticulture educator. University of Wisconsin Extension.<\/li>    <li>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.usda.gov\/about-usda\/news\/blog\/fall-leave-leaves\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">This Fall, Leave the Leaves!<\/a>\u201d By Brooke Franklin, natural resource specialist. U.S. Department of Agriculture.\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/cms.nar.realtor\/sites\/default\/files\/documents\/2023-03-remodeling-impact-outdoor-features-03-17-2023.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2023 Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features<\/a>.\u201d National Association of Realtors.<\/li> <\/ul>  <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>   <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Main Image Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/images\/autumn-leaves-raked-up-in-a-backyard-pile\/387013258?asset_id=387013258\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Colin Temple<\/a> \/ Adobe Stock Free \/ <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/jo\/license-terms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">License<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn how fallen leaves cause trouble for your lawn: They reduce curb appeal, create a fire hazard, decrease grass health, and delay spring greenup.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":132,"featured_media":118180,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1583],"tags":[59],"class_list":["post-118171","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-leaf-removal","tag-leaf-removal"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Fallen-Leaves-in-a-Lawn.jpeg?wsr","author_info":{"display_name":"Danielle Gorski","author_link":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/author\/danielle-gorskilawnstarter-com\/"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What Happens If You Don&#039;t Remove Fallen Leaves?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how fallen leaves cause trouble for your lawn: They reduce curb appeal, 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Gorski","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Danielle-Gorski-150x150.jpg?wsr","url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Danielle-Gorski-150x150.jpg?wsr","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Danielle-Gorski-150x150.jpg?wsr","caption":"Danielle Gorski"},"description":"Danielle Gorski has written about lawn care for over four years, blending her love for plants with her passion for writing. Her favorite part about her yard is decorating it for the holiday season.","url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/author\/danielle-gorskilawnstarter-com\/"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/leaf-removal\/what-happens-if-you-dont-remove-leaves\/#faq-question-1757925397498","position":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/leaf-removal\/what-happens-if-you-dont-remove-leaves\/#faq-question-1757925397498","name":"What are the Best Ways to Remove Fallen Leaves From My Yard?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"<strong>Mulching<\/strong> is the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/leaf-removal\/best-ways-to-clean-up-leaves-in-your-yard\/\">best way to clean up fallen leaves<\/a>.<br\/><br\/>\u201cIt's important that you <em>mulch or chop<\/em> the leaves,\u201d says O\u2019Connor. \u201cThe easiest way to manage leaves is to mulch them into the turf using your lawnmower.\u201d Mulching also reduces weed growth and returns organic matter and nutrients to your grass, she adds.<br\/><br\/>If you don\u2019t want to mulch, you can also <strong>rake your leaves<\/strong> or use a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/leaf-blowers-buyers-guide\/\">leaf blower<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/reviews\/best-leaf-vacuums\/\">leaf vacuum<\/a> to clear your yard of fallen leaves.<br\/><br\/><strong>See Related:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/leaf-removal\/best-tools-collect-leaves\/\">Best Tools to Use to Collect Autumn Leaves<\/a>","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/leaf-removal\/what-happens-if-you-dont-remove-leaves\/#faq-question-1757925413720","position":2,"url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/leaf-removal\/what-happens-if-you-dont-remove-leaves\/#faq-question-1757925413720","name":"How Often Should I Remove Leaves From My Yard?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"You should <strong>mulch or remove the leaves in your yard within days after they drop onto your lawn.<\/strong> \u201cIn general, leaf removal is something that happens over a period of weeks, because trees don't usually drop their leaves all at once,\u201d says O\u2019Connor.<br\/><br\/>It\u2019s best to deal with the leaves in small batches as they fall rather than wait to start after your tree has unloaded all its leaves. Leaf removal or mulching is much harder when there are more leaves in your yard.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/leaf-removal\/what-happens-if-you-dont-remove-leaves\/#faq-question-1757925431038","position":3,"url":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/leaf-removal\/what-happens-if-you-dont-remove-leaves\/#faq-question-1757925431038","name":"How Thick Can a Layer of Leaves Be Before it Damages My Grass?","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"You can allow<strong> up to 50% leaf coverage<\/strong> on your lawn. It should be a light dusting, not a full-on blanket. This way, you get all the benefits without the downsides. \u201cAs long as you can still see green grass through the leaf layer, the layer is not too thick,\u201d says O\u2019Connor.","inLanguage":"en-US"},"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/118171","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/132"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=118171"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/118171\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/118180"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=118171"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=118171"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=118171"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}