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Blog & Plant Guides
Musings of a Plant Maniac

11/9/2022 33 Comments

To rake, or not to rake...

Should I rake my lawn, or should I watch a movie? Put that way, the choice seems clear. Why would anyone want to rake? While there are some great reasons to rake, there are also some reasons to limit raking. Which is right? Read on…
  
Beautiful fall color leads to the other fall, falling leaves. Traditionally most folks have raked and removed those leaves. Composting them creates a nearly magical addition to any soil. But I am seeing much more press exposure given to the 'let sleeping leaves lie' way of thinking. Recently the Worcester Telegram published an article: Tired of raking and bagging leaves? Be eco-friendly instead and don't. The thinking is that the fallen leaves are very natural, and lawns are very unnatural. Many feel the leaves should win out over the lawns. Nearly every time humans alter the natural world, we make it worse.
 
A range of creatures depend on the leaves for food, shelter, and protection. By removing them we are further disrupting the natural balance. Why should we care. Bugs are not cute or cuddly. They are at best aggravating and inconvenient. But as a piece of the what-eats-what food web, so many creatures that are cute and cuddly depend on insects for their existence. Some directly, some indirectly. One creature that depends on insects is humans. Humans have evolved with an inconvenient need to eat. Much of what we eat depends on an insect for pollination. No insects means much less food. There is a thought-provoking NPR interview with the author of The Insect Crisis: The Fall of the Tiny Empires That Run the World. Here is a link to the audio. There are several places where the author uses some creative interpretations of science to make his point. He is trained as a writer, not as a scientist. But the overall tenor of the piece is quite good. It's worth a listen.
  
Anyone over the age of about 60 will likely remember that many bugs took their last flight into the windshield of the family station wagon in the 1950s to 1970s. Those under 30 may not have an appreciation of how prevalent the bug versus car collisions used to be. Sometimes called 'The Splat Factor', this decrease is fairly extreme, over 50% in some cases. Lots of specifics come into play, including automotive aerodynamics and average speed of travel. But even when those are corrected for by driving a 1960s boxy Ford car at 40 mph, the number of splats is far less now. Insect sampling conducted since 1989 seems to suggest that insect numbers have decreased by over 75% since then.
  
Does all this mean you will drive humankind into extinction if you rake your leaves? Of course not! But since a great many of nature's tiny creatures do live in the leaf litter, maybe a compromise is in order. It need not be all or nothing. Possibly rake the leaves off of key visual areas of your lawn, or maybe even all of your lawn. But leave them in some, or all, of your mulched beds, at least for a while. Whatever you choose to do is obviously up to you. There is no absolute right or wrong answer. My job is simply to present information you may not be fully aware of.
33 Comments
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3/27/2023 11:19:24 am

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Great article! Very interesting to read. Thanks for sharing.

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10/12/2023 10:40:06 pm

The text discusses the age-old dilemma of whether to rake fallen leaves from the lawn or leave them undisturbed. It highlights the growing movement advocating for the latter, emphasizing the ecological benefits of allowing leaves to remain on the ground. The argument is that fallen leaves are a natural part of the ecosystem, while maintaining pristine lawns is an artificial endeavor that can disrupt the natural balance.

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11/10/2023 07:05:31 pm

There is no absolute right or wrong answer, Still, i want to thank you for your help and guidance!

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8/19/2024 10:45:19 pm

Agreed. It has given me a great deal to think about and now I know which questions to ask when I visit my local Williams store next week. Thank you!

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11/27/2023 09:12:40 pm

I've always been torn about whether to rake or not in the fall, and this blog post really makes me reconsider. It's fascinating to think about the ecological impact of leaving the leaves on the lawn. I never realized how many creatures depend on them for food and shelter. Thanks for sharing this perspective!

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1/4/2024 12:20:35 pm

I appreciate your perspective on this. I for one choose not to rake my leaves in the fall.

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1/4/2024 12:22:16 pm

I used to rake my leaves all the time because I wanted my lawn to look super nice! But when I began to hear different I started to feel for the creatures that utilize them and now I do my best to avoid raking.

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1/17/2024 02:26:13 pm

I had no idea about the possible outcomes of not raking your leaves. Well, you learn something new everyday!

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1/18/2024 09:36:34 am


You're very welcome! I'm glad to hear that the blog post on whether to rake or not in the fall has given you a fresh perspective on this common autumn chore. Indeed, leaving leaves on your lawn can have positive ecological impacts by providing food and shelter for various creatures, including insects and wildlife.


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I'm glad to hear that you found the information on whether to rake or not in the fall informative and thought-provoking. It's essential to consider the ecological benefits of leaving leaves on your lawn and how it can support local wildlife and the overall health of your garden or yard. If you have any more questions or need further information on any topic, feel free to ask. Thank you for your feedback!
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You're welcome! I'm glad you found the blog post thought-provoking. The decision to rake or not in the fall can indeed have significant ecological implications, and it's essential to consider the impact on local wildlife and the environment. Leaving leaves on the lawn can provide valuable habitat and resources for various creatures, contributing to biodiversity and ecosystem health.
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2/22/2024 07:05:10 pm

Lots of specifics come into play, including automotive aerodynamics and average speed of travel.

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3/9/2024 03:16:13 am

Ah, the eternal debate: to rake or not to rake? Some argue for the benefits of leaving leaves to decompose, enriching the soil and supporting wildlife. Others prefer the tidy look of a freshly raked lawn. Whichever side you're on, remember to check out leadsgenie for expert lawn care tips and tools to keep your yard looking its best!

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6/14/2024 03:42:52 am

Your blog has inspired me to rethink my own yard maintenance practices. I'm eager to implement some of these ideas and contribute to creating a more eco-friendly outdoor space. Thank you for highlighting the importance of working with nature rather than against it. Looking forward to more informative posts from Bemis Farms Nursery!

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6/24/2024 02:33:15 am

Leaves can be nature's confetti! 🍂 Embrace the beauty of a leaf-strewn lawn.

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7/20/2024 09:33:06 am

Great insights on the debate over raking leaves! Balancing lawn aesthetics with environmental impact is key. Leaving some leaves can benefit local wildlife and maintain ecological balance. Thanks for sharing these thought-provoking points! <a href="http://www.focalpointponds.com/">Focal Point Ponds</a>

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7/20/2024 09:34:07 am

Great insights on the pros and cons of raking leaves! Balancing lawn aesthetics with environmental impact is key. Perhaps a compromise, like raking only certain areas and leaving others untouched, can benefit both your yard and local wildlife.

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7/20/2024 10:17:25 am

Great insights on the debate between raking leaves and letting them lie! Balancing lawn care with ecological benefits can help support local wildlife while maintaining a neat appearance.

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7/20/2024 10:20:35 am

Interesting read! It highlights the balance between maintaining a tidy lawn and supporting local ecosystems. Leaving some leaves can benefit wildlife and contribute to a healthier environment.

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10/4/2024 09:38:20 am

A variety of animals rely on the leaves for sustenance, cover, and defense. We are further upsetting the natural balance by getting rid of them. Why it matters to us. Bugs are not adorable or cozy.

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11/9/2024 07:51:55 am

Great insights! I love how you explored both sides of raking leaves—such a thoughtful approach to yard care!

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12/24/2024 06:34:08 am

Such a relatable dilemma! It’s interesting to consider the benefits of both raking and leaving the leaves for natural mulch.

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12/26/2024 09:23:22 am

I absolutely loved this post! It's refreshing to see a thoughtful discussion about the pros and cons of raking leaves. I’ve always debated whether to rake or leave nature to do its work. Your perspective gave me a lot to think about. It’s definitely a balance between tidiness and environmental benefits. Thanks for the insightful read!

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Awesome post, thanks!

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