Autumn is one of the most stunning times of year in Minnesota until the piles of leaves make you sweat just looking at them! Although clearing away large piles of leaves is a hassle, it does more than keep your yard tidy. Here are five reasons why clearing up fallen leaves is crucial for the health of your grass.

Promotes Healthy Growth

The health of your lawn may be compromised over the winter if you let dead leaves accumulate on the ground. A layer of leaves prevents sunlight from reaching your grass, halting photosynthesis and starving it. By removing these leaves completely, you enable sunlight to get to your grass and allow it to continue producing energy-rich nutrients.      

Allows Your Lawn to Breathe

After a year of natural growth and decay, a layer of dead organic debris known as thatch forms in your grass. This layer is nutrient-rich, but if you allow the fallen leaves to rot in your yard, they can accumulate significantly and suffocate your grass.

All lawns eventually require dethatching, but by hiring a professional to remove the accumulation of leaves, you may slow the formation of thatch. In addition, a professional can advise you on when to dethatch your grass and how to prevent rapid thatch growth and sweep away leaves.

Avoids Snow Molds in The Winter

Mold thrives in the moistest, most nutrient-dense environments. The leaves will retain water from multiple rainfalls, creating a dense, damp habitat where fungi can thrive. Gray snow mold is a well-known disease in the cooler months.

Gray snow mold grows beneath a layer of snow and harms cool-season turfgrasses. Its silk-like structure resembles spider webs and covers the ground. While minor infections are primarily an eyesore, severe ones can destroy your lawn. Prevention is always preferable to treatment; therefore, the easiest method to avoid snow mold is to aerate your property and remove any dead leaves.

Prevents Pests

Unwanted creatures, such as snakes and rodents, find refuge in the layer of leaves. Therefore, a thorough autumn cleanup is crucial. Mice are particularly problematic because, after constructing a home in your garden, they might attempt to go inside your home.

Insects are another major cause of yard invasions. As tiny and adorable as ladybugs are, these beetles will flock to any warm and secure location, whether under a pile of leaves or in your living room. Ladybugs and other fall insects are relentless in their search for a winter home but do not let it be yours.

Boosts Your Lawn’s Curb Appeal

Having piles of brown leaves ruin the look of your lawn after all your hard work keeping the grass vibrant and green is unacceptable. Planning a fall cleaning will prioritize the health of your lawn and protect your home from unwanted pests.

Are you already witnessing bright autumn leaves fall? Call The Lawn Barber today to schedule a leaf cleanup. Whether spring or fall, we can cross this time-consuming project off your to-do list.