Mulch Leaves, Don't Rake: Benefits for Lawn Health

Why You Should Mow Over Fall Leaves Instead of Raking

Research supports skipping the rake and using a mulching mower to shred leaves directly into the lawn. Two key studies:

• Michigan State University: Mulched leaves suppressed dandelions by 84%.
• Pennsylvania State University: Mulched leaves had no negative effect on turf visual quality, growth, or thatch depth.

The only caveat: avoid letting mats of wet leaves smother the grass. As long as the shredded leaf layer is thin enough to let light and air reach the turf, you can "kiss your rake goodbye."

Expert Commentary

UGA turf specialist Clint Waltz notes the studies used ryegrass, not common Georgia grasses (bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, centipedegrass). He supports mulching leaves into the lawn or collecting them for ornamental beds—keeping them out of landfills—but advises monitoring for thatch buildup and pH changes in sensitive grasses.

Mulched leaves decomposing into turf