Leaving Leaves on Yard in winter (Pros and Cons)

 Here in the Midwest, we Clean up the bulk of the leaves in late fall and very early spring as it will reduce the number of pests, ticks fleas, aphids, and snakes. We have 9 mature Oak trees and the majority of leaves need to be removed, it's just too much leaf matter. 

photo of leaves in my yard

The remaining oak, maple, and crabapple leaves on our lawn are shredded with the lawn mower to create a mulch that we leave on the lawn and the gardens.  This natural mulch is a way to improve the PH balance of your soil.  It also increases acidity which is good for many perennial flowers.

Leaf matter that is left in your yard and gardens over winter does have pros and cons. Excessive leaf matter can produce snow mold.  This type of mold is a fungus that will kill the grass when the snow melts. This mold can cause some people to have an allergic reaction; runny nose, and itchy and watery eyes.

Many people leave a thick oak leaf mulch on their flower beds, I don’t and the reason is If the leaves are left on your garden beds your spring flowers may become smothered.  The heavy leaf mulch will block light, moisture, and air circulation which is needed for spring blooming flowers.

If you plan on leaving leaves on your yard and garden then I would recommend a light leaf mulch as it is beneficial to your lawn and gardens.