Give yourself a break this year and don't rake your leaves! Leaf raking is an aesthetic choice that has evolved with the development of suburban lifestyles and the habit of growing carpet-green lawns.
But leaf raking is not necessary! In fact, it is downright harmful to the environment. There is no reason to rake leaves unless you are collecting them to use in a compost pile or as mulch underneath trees and shrubs or around perennials.
Instead, run over leaves with a lawn mower every five days or so. Leaf litter will not smother the grass. Microbes will decay the litter and treat your lawn to a feast of nutrients.
Pile up the leaves and jump in them with the kids. Afterwards, pile them up again and add twigs and branches to hold them in place. The leaf pile will provide food and cover for birds and all sorts of insects, reptiles, and small mammals. Enjoy looking for toads and watching rabbits. Develop your backyard as a habitat. The National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat program can guide you.
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