{"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":"<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes has-medium-font-size\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>\u2022 <strong>A heavy leaf layer<\/strong> smothers grass, invites lawn disease and pests, blocks drainage, and hurts your curb appeal.<br>\u2022 <strong>Up to about 50% leaf coverage<\/strong> is fine if you mulch-mow it, but clear or mulch anything heavier.<br>\u2022 <strong>Handle leaves in small batches<\/strong> as they fall, and remove diseased leaves from the lawn entirely.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Leaving too many fallen leaves on your lawn can suffocate your grass, encourage fungal diseases, and drag down your curb appeal.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Letting leaves cover up to about half of your lawn is usually fine, but any more than that and you are asking for trouble. There is a fine line between going au naturel and accidentally damaging your grass.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you would rather skip this chore, <a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnstarter.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=leafRemoval\">LawnStarter&#8217;s leaf removal service<\/a> clears leaves from your yard for you, saving you time and keeping your lawn healthy this fall.<\/p>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-b8183cfb-6292-4ed1-a7d3-0573fc94f999\" 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=\"\">In this article:<\/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-what-happens-if-you-leave-leaves-on-your-lawn\" style=\"\">What Happens If You Leave Leaves on Your Lawn?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/leaf-removal\/what-happens-if-you-dont-remove-leaves\/#9-when-is-it-ok-to-leave-the-leaves\" style=\"\">When Is It OK to Leave the Leaves?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/leaf-removal\/what-happens-if-you-dont-remove-leaves\/#10-faqs\" style=\"\">FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>   <h2 id=\"0-what-happens-if-you-leave-leaves-on-your-lawn\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Happens If You Leave Leaves on Your Lawn?<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you do not remove fallen leaves, a heavy layer smothers the grass, invites disease and pests, clogs drainage, creates a fire hazard, and delays spring recovery. A thick blanket blocks sunlight and air and traps moisture. Here is what happens when the leaves pile up and stay put.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"1-suffocates-grass\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Suffocates Grass<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When a pile of leaves covers your grass, it is impossible for sunlight to reach the turf. Too many leaves hinder airflow and <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\">smother your grass<\/a>, stunting its growth and causing the blades to brown.<\/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 leaves once per week, or when they cover around 50% of the lawn, to prevent damage.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"2-invites-fungal-growth\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Invites Fungal Growth<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" 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\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Snow mold. Photo Credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/stock.adobe.com\/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 sit on your lawn. Decaying, rotting leaves invite fungi and mold, especially in rainy and humid climates.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you do not rake the leaves before winter, your lawn faces an increased risk of 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\">&#8220;Leaving whole leaves on the lawn through winter can lead to disease issues,&#8221; says <a href=\"https:\/\/newsmediarelations.colostate.edu\/contacts\/allison-oconnor\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Alison O&#8217;Connor<\/a>, professor of horticulture for Colorado State University Extension.<\/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>    <h3 id=\"3-attracts-pests\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Attracts Pests<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pests such as mice and voles might 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><p>Insects<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Reptiles<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Rodents<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During the chilly season, animals seek shelter in leaf piles. Once pests move into the leaves on your lawn, they are more likely to find their way into your home.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related:<\/strong> <\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pest-control\/how-to-get-rid-of-voles\/\">How to Get Rid of Voles<\/a><\/p><\/li>    <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/pest-control\/how-to-repair-vole-damage\/\">How to Repair Vole Damage<\/a><\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 id=\"4-allows-for-weed-growth\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Allows for Weed Growth<\/h3>    <figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" 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.\"\/><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 take hold. Removing the leaves helps keep your grass robust, healthy, and resistant to weed growth.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><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><\/p><\/li>    <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-revive-dead-lawn\/\">How to Revive a Dead Lawn<\/a><\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 id=\"5-causes-drainage-issues\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Causes Drainage Issues<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When your gutters and drains clog with leaves, water cannot properly drain from your roof, landscaping, or lawn. This causes drainage issues, such as:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/ways-to-get-rid-standing-water\/\">Standing water<\/a><\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Clogged gutters and storm drains<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Water overflowing from gutters<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Flooding<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Roof leaks<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Mold and mildew<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Damage to surrounding plants<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Soil erosion<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Mosquitoes<\/p><\/li>    <li><p>Soggy, muddy lawn<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>See Related:<\/strong> <\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping\/improve-drainage-in-your-yard\/\">7 Ways to Improve Drainage in Your Yard<\/a><\/p><\/li>    <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/landscaping-tips\/how-to-control-erosion\/\">How to Control Erosion in the Yard<\/a><\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <h3 id=\"6-creates-a-fire-hazard\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Creates a Fire Hazard<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fire spreads quickly when it has dry tinder like crisp, dry leaves. When dry leaves cover your lawn, they can endanger your house or any other outdoor wooden structure or furniture in your yard.<\/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>    <h3 id=\"7-delays-spring-recovery\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Delays Spring Recovery<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If leaves sit on your lawn all winter, they <a href=\"https:\/\/turf.umn.edu\/news\/good-question-do-you-really-need-rake-all-those-leaves\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">inhibit grass growth<\/a> in the spring. They also worsen springtime damage 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 only add to it by depriving the turf of sunlight and airflow. As a result, your grass has a harder time recovering come spring, and heavy cover can even kill it over winter.<\/p>    <h3 id=\"8-decreases-homes-curb-appeal\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Decreases Home&#8217;s Curb Appeal<\/h3>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Leaves all over your lawn make your yard look unkempt, and they can signal that you do not really care about your home.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">General landscape upkeep, such as mulching, pruning shrubs, and mowing, has a 104% <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\">return on investment<\/a>, according to the National Association of Realtors.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are selling your home, your front lawn is a buyer&#8217;s first impression, and a disheveled, leaf-covered lawn can torpedo your 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 id=\"9-when-is-it-ok-to-leave-the-leaves\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">When Is It OK to Leave the Leaves?<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You do not have to clear every last leaf. A light scattering can actually be good for your lawn, and mulching leaves turns them into free fertilizer. The key is how much of the grass is covered.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><strong>A light dusting:<\/strong> If leaves cover only a small part of the lawn and you can still see plenty of green, you can leave them or mow over them.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>About half covered:<\/strong> Mulch-mow the leaves, which simply means mowing over the dry leaves (a mulching blade helps) to chop them into small pieces that settle between the grass blades and break down into nutrients.<\/p><\/li>    <li><p><strong>A thick blanket:<\/strong> When you can barely see grass, remove at least half of the leaves before mulching the rest.<\/p><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Do not let leaves pile up and sit, though. LawnStarter pro Scott Culala, owner of The Lawn Cypress in Gardner, Kansas, advises homeowners to clean up leaves or &#8220;at least mulch them down so they can decompose.&#8221;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One exception: If your trees dropped diseased leaves, take those off the lawn entirely rather than mulching them back in.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"10-faqs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQs<\/h2>    <div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17889607322506323\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What Are the Best Ways to Remove Fallen Leaves From My Yard?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Mulching 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>. O&#8217;Connor recommends you &#8220;mulch them into the turf using your lawnmower.&#8221; Mulching also reduces weed growth and returns nutrients to your grass.<br><br>If you would rather not mulch, rake your leaves or use a leaf blower or leaf vacuum.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17889607322506707\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How Often Should I Remove Leaves From My Yard?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Mulch or remove the leaves in your yard within days after they drop. O&#8217;Connor notes that &#8220;leaf removal is something that happens over a period of weeks, because trees don&#8217;t usually drop all their leaves at once.&#8221;<br><br>Deal with leaves in small batches as they fall rather than waiting for the tree to finish. Cleanup is much harder once leaves pile up.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-17889607322501828\"><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 up to <strong>50% leaf coverage<\/strong> on your lawn. It should be a light dusting, not a full-on blanket, so you get the benefits without the downsides. The layer is fine, O&#8217;Connor says, &#8220;as long as you can still see green grass.&#8221;<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>    <h2 id=\"11-leave-the-leaves-to-a-lawn-care-pro\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Leave the Leaves to a Lawn Care Pro<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If leaves have buried your lawn, it is time to take action. Raking is a simple but back-breaking DIY task, and clearing a large lawn can take hours and leave you exhausted.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you would rather not spend your weekend on an arduous leaf-raking job, hire one of LawnStarter&#8217;s local lawn care pros when the leaves start to fall. With <a href=\"https:\/\/signup-web.lawnstarter.com\/cart\/contact-info?intent=leafRemoval\">LawnStarter&#8217;s leaf removal service<\/a>, you can have your yard clear in no time.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Read More:<\/strong><\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/cost\/leaf-removal-price\/\">How Much Does Leaf Removal Cost?<\/a><\/p><\/li>    <li><p><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><\/p><\/li>    <li><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/lawn-care-2\/how-to-care-for-lawn-in-winter\/\">How to Care For Your Lawn in Winter<\/a><\/p><\/li> <\/ul>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-5623228c-f982-4389-acaa-a153702e2718\" data-mobilecollapse=\"true\" data-desktopcollapse=\"true\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"false\"> <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; border-top-left-radius: 8px; border-top-right-radius: 8px; border-bottom-left-radius: 8px; border-bottom-right-radius: 8px; \" 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-0-5623228c-f982-4389-acaa-a153702e2718\" tabindex=\"0\"> \t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-5623228c-f982-4389-acaa-a153702e2718\" style=\"color: #000000; \"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/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-0-5623228c-f982-4389-acaa-a153702e2718\">  <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p><p>Alison O&#8217;Connor, professor of horticulture at Colorado State University Extension, Fort Collins, CO. Personal interview.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p><p>Scott Culala, owner of The Lawn Cypress, Gardner, KS. Personal interview.<\/p>  <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>   <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Main Image: A large pile of raked autumn leaves sits against a wooden fence in a residential backyard. Photo 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<\/p><div class=\"ays-arp-under-posts-container ays-arp-elegant-layout related-posts\" id=\"ays-arp-under-posts-container-118171-6ab8559f73c84\"  data-id=\"6ab8559f73c84\" data-ratio=\"1\"><h2 class=\"ays-arp-under-posts-container-title\">Related Posts:<\/h2><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"ays-arp-id-6ab8559f73c84\" value=\"118171\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-posts\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-header\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img-row\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/leaf-removal\/leaf-raking-injuries\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  ><img src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Leaf-raking-injuries-1-768x512.png?wsr\" alt=\"A close-up of a red leaf rake gathering a pile of fallen autumn leaves on a lawn, with a gloved hand holding the rake handle, overlaid with the text \"Leaf Raking Injuries: How to Avoid Them.\"\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Leaf-raking-injuries-1-768x512.png?wsr\" alt=\"A close-up of a red leaf rake gathering a pile of fallen autumn leaves on a lawn, with a gloved hand holding the rake handle, overlaid with the text \"Leaf Raking Injuries: How to Avoid Them.\"\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img ays-arp-under-post-img-mobile\"><\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-content\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-title-row\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/leaf-removal\/leaf-raking-injuries\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  >Leaf Raking Injuries Are More Common Than...<\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-read-more-row\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/leaf-removal\/leaf-raking-injuries\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  ><span class=\"ays-arp-under-post-read-more\">Read more<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-header\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img-row\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/leaf-removal\/mulch-bag-or-ignore-leaves\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  ><img src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/The-Great-Leaf-Debate-Mulch-Bag-or-Just-Ignore-Them-1-1-768x512.png?wsr\" alt=\"A woman in a yellow rake gathers a large pile of golden and brown fallen autumn leaves on a sunlit green lawn, with bold white text overlay reading \"Leaves: How many are too many? And what to do.\"\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/The-Great-Leaf-Debate-Mulch-Bag-or-Just-Ignore-Them-1-1-768x512.png?wsr\" alt=\"A woman in a yellow rake gathers a large pile of golden and brown fallen autumn leaves on a sunlit green lawn, with bold white text overlay reading \"Leaves: How many are too many? And what to do.\"\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img ays-arp-under-post-img-mobile\"><\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-content\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-title-row\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/leaf-removal\/mulch-bag-or-ignore-leaves\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  >The Great Leaf Debate: Mulch, Bag, or...<\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-read-more-row\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/leaf-removal\/mulch-bag-or-ignore-leaves\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  ><span class=\"ays-arp-under-post-read-more\">Read more<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-header\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img-row\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/leaf-removal\/how-to-deal-with-neighbors-leaves-in-yard\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  ><img src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/remove-leaves-768x512.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Person raking colorful autumn leaves on a sunny day in the yard, cleaning fallen foliage with a bright yellow plastic rake.\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/remove-leaves-768x512.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"Person raking colorful autumn leaves on a sunny day in the yard, cleaning fallen foliage with a bright yellow plastic rake.\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img ays-arp-under-post-img-mobile\"><\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-content\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-title-row\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/leaf-removal\/how-to-deal-with-neighbors-leaves-in-yard\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  >How to Deal with the Neighbor&#039;s Leaves...<\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-read-more-row\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/leaf-removal\/how-to-deal-with-neighbors-leaves-in-yard\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  ><span class=\"ays-arp-under-post-read-more\">Read more<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-header\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img-row\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/leaf-removal\/tips-for-cleaning-up-leaves\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  ><img src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/tools-to-clean-leaves-768x512.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"A fan rake rests against a large pile of brown and orange fallen autumn leaves collected on a blue tarp spread over a green lawn, with a tree trunk and mulch bed visible in the sunlit background.\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/tools-to-clean-leaves-768x512.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"A fan rake rests against a large pile of brown and orange fallen autumn leaves collected on a blue tarp spread over a green lawn, with a tree trunk and mulch bed visible in the sunlit background.\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img ays-arp-under-post-img-mobile\"><\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-content\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-title-row\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/leaf-removal\/tips-for-cleaning-up-leaves\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  >9 Tips for Cleaning Up Leaves in...<\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-read-more-row\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/leaf-removal\/tips-for-cleaning-up-leaves\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  ><span class=\"ays-arp-under-post-read-more\">Read more<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-header\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img-row\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/leaf-removal\/how-to-clean-up-wet-leaves-in-yard\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  ><img src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/wet-leaves-cleaning-768x512.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"cleaning wet leaves using a rake\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/wet-leaves-cleaning-768x512.jpg?wsr\" alt=\"cleaning wet leaves using a rake\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-img ays-arp-under-post-img-mobile\"><\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-content\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-title-row\"><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/leaf-removal\/how-to-clean-up-wet-leaves-in-yard\/\" class=\"ays-arp-under-post-link\"  >How to Clean Up Wet Leaves in...<\/a><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ays-arp-under-post-read-more-row\"><a 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A thick layer smothers grass, invites disease and pests, and blocks drainage. Learn when to clear or mulch them.<\/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 v28.5 - 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=\"What happens if you don&#039;t rake leaves? A thick layer smothers grass, invites disease and pests, and blocks drainage. Learn when to clear or mulch them.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/leaf-removal\/what-happens-if-you-dont-remove-leaves\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What Happens If You Don&#039;t Remove Fallen Leaves?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"What happens if you don&#039;t rake leaves? A thick layer smothers grass, invites disease and pests, and blocks drainage. Learn when to clear or mulch them.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/leaf-removal\/what-happens-if-you-dont-remove-leaves\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Lawnstarter\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-08-08T18:49:32+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-10-17T12:24:05+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Fallen-Leaves-in-a-Lawn.jpeg?wsr\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"800\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Danielle Gorski\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Danielle Gorski\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/leaf-removal\\\/what-happens-if-you-dont-remove-leaves\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/leaf-removal\\\/what-happens-if-you-dont-remove-leaves\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Danielle Gorski\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/406e86b8c28432c8a8799f1e7b919165\"},\"headline\":\"What Happens If You Don&#8217;t Remove Fallen Leaves?\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-08-08T18:49:32+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-10-17T12:24:05+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/leaf-removal\\\/what-happens-if-you-dont-remove-leaves\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1364,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/leaf-removal\\\/what-happens-if-you-dont-remove-leaves\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Fallen-Leaves-in-a-Lawn.jpeg?wsr\",\"keywords\":[\"leaf removal\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Leaf Removal\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":[\"WebPage\",\"FAQPage\"],\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/leaf-removal\\\/what-happens-if-you-dont-remove-leaves\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/leaf-removal\\\/what-happens-if-you-dont-remove-leaves\\\/\",\"name\":\"What Happens If You Don't Remove Fallen Leaves?\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/leaf-removal\\\/what-happens-if-you-dont-remove-leaves\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/leaf-removal\\\/what-happens-if-you-dont-remove-leaves\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.lawnstarter.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/08\\\/Fallen-Leaves-in-a-Lawn.jpeg?wsr\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-08-08T18:49:32+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-10-17T12:24:05+00:00\",\"description\":\"What happens if you don't rake leaves? 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