As the temperatures in the Pittsburgh Area start to cool and the leaves begin to change color, you know that fall is officially here. For many people, this is their favorite time of year. But along with cooler weather and pumpkin spice lattes comes the dreaded task of raking leaves. While it may not be the most fun job in the world, there are actually some good reasons why you should make an effort to rake up those leaves before they have a chance to decompose on your lawn.
When leaves decompose on your lawn, they release nutrients that can actually promote the growth of lawn diseases. If you have a lot of trees in your yard, you may find that you are dealing with diseases more often than someone who doesn't have as many trees. Raking up the leaves gives you a chance to get rid of any diseased leaves before they have a chance to spread throughout your lawn.
Thatch is a layer of dead grass, roots, and other organic matter that can build up on your lawn over time. A thin layer of thatch is actually beneficial for your lawn since it helps protect the roots from extreme temperatures and provides a bit of cushioning. However, too much thatch can prevent water and nutrients from reaching the roots of your grass, causing your lawn to become unhealthy. Fall lawn clean up services in Pittsburgh such as raking leaves helps remove thatch so that it doesn't build up to an unhealthy level.
Aerating your lawn involves poking small holes in the soil so that air, water, and nutrients can reach the roots of your grass more easily. This is especially important if you live in an area with clay soil, which can become compacted easily. Raking leaves gives you a chance to aerate your lawn without having to use an expensive aeration machine. Simply rake the leaves into small piles and then use a garden fork or similar tool to poke holes into the soil beneath the piles.
Raking leaves may not be the most fun fall activity, but it is definitely worth taking the time to do it. Not only will it help keep your lawn healthy, but it will also give you a chance to aerate the soil and prevent thatch build-up. So next time you're feeling tempted to just let those leaves decompose on your lawn, remember these three reasons why raking them up is actually beneficial for your grass!
Hire a Pittsburgh Area professional lawn care specialist and let us take care of the lawn cleanup for you!