Leaf cleanup season is here, and homeowners across North Texas are asking the same question: should I mulch these leaves or remove them entirely?
The answer depends on one thing—how many leaves you're dealing with.
When to Mulch Your Leaves
If you have a manageable amount of leaves that you can easily mulch with your lawn mower, then mulch them. Leaves are actually good for your lawn. They act as a natural fertilizer, breaking down and providing valuable nutrients for your soil and turf.
Mulching is simple: just run your mower over the leaves a few times until they're chopped into small pieces. Those pieces will settle into the grass and decompose over time, feeding your lawn in the process. For homeowners in Midlothian and Prosper, this is an easy way to give your lawn a natural nutrient boost heading into winter.
When to Remove Your Leaves
If you're dealing with an excessive amount of leaves—more than your mower can reasonably handle—you'll need to remove them. Thick layers of leaves sitting on your lawn can cause real problems.
A heavy blanket of leaves smothers the turf underneath, blocking sunlight and air circulation. Add moisture on top of that thick barrier, and conditions get even worse. Trapped moisture creates an ideal environment for fungal diseases that can damage or kill sections of your lawn.
Homeowners in Prosper, Waxahachie, and throughout the DFW area with heavily wooded lots often face this situation. When removal is necessary, you can still get some benefit from mulched leaves—just leave a light layer behind after you've cleared the bulk of them.
Don't Ignore Your Leaves
Whatever you decide, the worst thing you can do is nothing. Ignoring your leaves means one of two outcomes: either you miss out on the natural fertilizer benefits they provide, or you let them pile up and damage your lawn.
A little attention now saves you from bigger problems later. Assess what you're working with, choose your approach, and take care of it before the leaves become a real issue.
Watch the video below to see how to determine whether mulching or removal is right for your lawn.
For professional lawn care services in Midlothian and Prosper, contact Vista Lawn and Pest.
