Gardeners issued warning about removing autumn leaves from their lawn

Gardeners are being urged to resist the temptation to clear away fallen leaves from their lawns, as they play a crucial role beyond autumn.

Ecological writer Alys Fowler emphasises that leaves are "called leaves for a reason" and can actually benefit the plants they've dropped from by aiding in carbon storage within the soil.

Alys points out that not only does this bolster your lawn, but it also enhances your garden's ability to absorb minerals and water. She notes that leaves provide shelter for a variety of creatures including insects, beetles, and worms.

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Despite their untidy appearance at first, Alys reassures that the winter winds will eventually disperse them, allowing worms to break them down and integrate them into the soil.

In an article for Gardeners' World magazine, Alys states: "They're called leaves for a reason; to be left alone to do their essential work. They may look spent but their business is far from done, both for the plant they left and the wider world around them."

She continues: "Soil can hold up to 30 percent more carbon if the autumn leaves are left to rot. Carbon feeds the soil food web, particularly mycorrhizal fungi, which improves not only the trees' ability to take up water and minerals, but also the lawn and wider garden."

Alys also draws attention to the elephant hawk moth, recognisable by its striking pink and olive green hues, which relies on leaf litter to create its cocoons, highlighting the importance of leaving leaves to decompose naturally.

However, chairman of the Lawn Association, David Hedges-Gower, warns that leaves can "suffocate and kill" grass. He points out that leafmould can destroy even the most robust lawns.

According to him, allowing leaves to decay in your garden might mean you'll have to overseed in the spring and water more just to keep it in good shape. But, he does say that raking the leaves and repositioning them onto your flower beds can help your lawn survive the winter, reports The Express.

He commented: "Neglecting our lawns by leaving fallen leaves not only harms them but creates unnecessary work each year, increasing our unsustainable footprint. Unlike other garden areas, lawns require attention year-round."

David is of the belief that "protecting" your lawn should be treated as a "priority", suggesting it contributes to a sustainable outdoor space and "enhances your garden's beauty year round". He advocates for easy-to-maintain and sustainable lawns.

The Royal Horticultural Society recognises that leafmould can indeed be beneficial, particularly if it has decomposed sufficiently, acting as seed-sowing compost or adding to garden compost. As per their guidance, leafmould aged less than two years should serve as mulch, soil enhancer, autumn lawn top-dressing, or winter cover for exposed soil.

There is a caveat, however; homemade leafmould compost could attract weeds, so gardeners should proceed with caution. Also, street-gathered leaves may carry trash and need to be inspected before being added to a leafmould heap.