The fall lawncare mistake you’re probably making — and the secret to a greener lawn next spring

Many people make a common mistake when it comes to their lawncare routine by not raking or mowing their leaves properly. The consequences of this fall lawncare error can be severe, as a layer of leaves can smother grass, kill it in just a few weeks, reduce grass vigor, enable moss growth, cause lawn disease and attract worms. To avoid these issues, expert Jonathan Davis suggests raking leaves to remove them completely, then using them as mulch or compost.

However, if you have a large lawn, mowing the leaves instead can save time and energy while providing organic fertilizer. The key is to ensure the leaves are dry before mowing, as wet leaves can clump, clog the mower, and leave soggy patches on the grass. Davis recommends raising the mower blade a notch or two above your normal setting for the initial pass, then going over the lawn again at your usual autumn height to avoid scalping the grass.

Using a mulching mower or a rear-discharge setting when mowing leaves is also beneficial as it doubles the chopping of leaves and leaves them as organic mulch for your lawn.