Do I have to rake leaves?

[dave]

I have a few large maple trees in my yard and since it's getting closer to autumn, I'm going to have a mess of leaves. I've heard if you don't rake them, it can cause problems, Is this true?

Dave

[admin]

Hi Dave,

Ah, raking leaves! Yes, it can be a pain sometimes, but think about all the great exercise you will be getting :)

Seriously though, you really do need to get the leaves off your lawn. If you are not into raking, you can chop them up with your mower with either a mulching blade or you can bag them.

If you don't get the leaves off your lawn, they could possibly suffocate your lawn and come spring, you're not going to be too happy.

Good luck!

Brad

[anne]

I left leaves on the lawn one year, and they turned into a heavy, waterlogged mat that ruined the lawn underneath. It would have been a lot easier to rake them up earlier. Instead, I ruined my grass, and I STILL had to rake up the leaves, which were now smellier and heavier!

This year I'm going to use a great tool I found, its called Lawn Mate and I found it at http://www.yardlover.com/products.php?pid=77714158

[dave]

thanks anne, looks like an interesting tool!

[Gnomer]

Rather than raking, couldn't you get a garden vacuum and just suck them all up? Some even have mulchers attached, so you can put those leaves to good use.

I'll see if I can find a link to one and put it in the tools forum.

[Kev]

Or you could go the other way, and get a garden blower. Just means you have to pick them up afterwards.

[wilson]

I had no idea that not raking can ruin your lawn for Spring. We only have one large tree on our front lawn but all of the leaves are down. My wifes been bugging me to clean it all up. I guess I know what I'll be doing over the next weekend
________
ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM III (http://www.bmw-tech.org/wiki/Rolls-Royce_Phantom_III)

[amanda]

I absolutely hate raking, but it has to get done
________
Stocks To Buy Now (http://pennystockpicks.net/)

[suziesmith]

I hate raking too but it can really smother your lawn if you don't
________
PLYMOUTH BREEZE (http://www.dodge-wiki.com/wiki/Plymouth_Breeze)