Should You Rake, Mulch, or Leave Your Leaves in Michigan?

"Fall's my favorite time of year," says every Michigan native who doesn't have to rake leaves. This time of year, Michiganders are left with a decision: Should I rake, mulch, or leave the leaves in my yard? Each has benefits for your lawn and your valuable downtime.

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When we bought our home last year, I was overjoyed to see that the yard was filled with nothing but needle-bearing trees. It wasn’t until a few weeks ago that I realized there was an enormous Michigan Red Maple behind our house (on the neighbor’s side). After speaking with other neighbors, I learned that this tree sheds the bulk of its leaves into my yard in the fall. So, what should I do with them when the time comes? Which is best for the health of the lawn?

The Risks of Letting Leaves Lie on Your Lawn

Maybe you've heard the advice, "Just let the leaves stay where they are and deal with them in the spring!" This sounds like an incredible option that gives you more time at the cider mill and less time dealing with yardwork. But, and you knew there was a but, "leaving" the leaves where they fall in Michigan isn't the best course of action.

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According to Popular Mechanics, if you plan on letting the leaf litter lie where it falls, you first need to move it. Sure, you could just let them stay on the lawn, but experts recommend moving them to garden beds, under trees, or compost piles. Why? That thick mat of leaves suffocates your grass, potentially leaving you with a dead yard when the snow melts.

Why Mulching Is a Lawn Game Changer

If your mower has a mulching or recycling blade, this may be the fastest and most effective method for maintaining the health of your lawn and removing leaves this fall. Mulching, or chopping those leaves into tiny pieces and leaving them in your yard, actually provides nutrients that improve the yard's health.

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This method will also make you popular with your neighbors, since no leaves will end up blowing into their lawns, and the tiny ones that do will only help them have a better lawn in the spring.

Raking & Bagging: The Traditional (But Costly) Route

The most labor-intensive option for Michigan homeowners, raking and bagging, gives you the added benefit of adding cardio and backaches to your Michigan fall. While it leaves your yard pristine, it also increases landfill demand. Of course, you could compost the leaves after you gather them, but that's only if you (and your neighbors) don't mind the foul odor they are notorious for. Sure, raking leaves works, but it's not the smartest or greenest choice.

Mulching is your sweet spot, allowing for less back-breaking raking and more time with your mower. It's even the method the State of Michigan recommends. Additionally, tiny leaves provide a natural source of fertilizer. Sure, your neighbor's tree may be responsible for your work, but at least you can make their mess work for your lawn.