Mulching Tree Leaves: Good or Bad for Your Lawn?

Should you mulch fallen leaves and leave the shreds on the grass? The answer depends on the result. If the shredded leaves don’t mat down and smother the turf, it’s perfectly fine—in fact, it returns nutrients to the soil. However, if thick clumps remain after mowing, you’ll need to rake them out or mow again until the pieces sift between the grass blades.

Dry leaves shred easily with regular mowing. Wet leaves, on the other hand, turn into a soggy mess that must be raked. So keep an eye on moisture and mow frequently for the best results.