Every year, nearly 8 million tons of leaves end up buried in landfills across the United States. Due to a lack of oxygen, those leaves are unable to decompose quickly and release methane gas instead.

In contrast, when leaves are left in your yard they can decompose faster, and leave behind organic matter that greatly improves soil health! Leaves are full of nutrients that will make your lawn thrive, including potassium, phosphorus, and nitrogen. Wildlife and lawn experts agree that when it comes to your lawn it is usually better to skip the raking and leave those leaves in place!

Some tips to help you succeed:

• Chop up blankets of leaves with a lawn mower to thin out the material and help it break down quickly. Thick layers of leaves left on your lawn can block sunlight, which is needed for photosynthesis.
• Rake excess leaves around trees and shrubs in 3–6" piles, or into landscape or garden beds to use as a mulch.
• Combine fallen leaves with grass clippings and other organic material to produce nutrient-rich compost.
• Keep ditches, driveway culverts, and storm drains clear of leaves and debris to prevent flooding.