Tired Of Raking Leaves Every Fall? Here’s What Happens When You Mow Over Them Instead

I always like stepping on leaves and listening to that satisfying crunch. However, I’m not a fan when they are all over my lawn… and raking them is so tiring!

So I wondered, can you just mow over those leaves instead of raking? It seems like an easy fix, right? I thought so too!

If you keep track of your lawn care schedule, you know that it’s almost time for the last mow of the season. But what do you do if your yard is already covered in leaves?

Before you grab the mower, you should figure out if mowing over those leaves is a smart move – or if it’s just a shortcut that will cause more trouble later!

You Can Mow Your Lawn, Even If It’s Covered With Leaves

Of course, I had to try mowing over a pile of leaves to see if it works (I don’t know if it was a good idea or if I was just being lazy). It felt like a quick fix and saved me from spending hours raking.

Well, it turns out it’s not only a time-saver but also good for your lawn!

Experts say you can mow over leaves, but there are a few things to keep in mind. If you have a big pile of leaves, trying to mow over them might clog up your mower. No one wants that!

In this case, it’s better to rake up the thick piles, put them in bags with some holes, and let them break down into mulch. That mulch can help your plants later on!

If your lawn only has a light layer of leaves, feel free to mow away because shredded leaves will break down and feed your grass… And let’s face it, who doesn’t love free fertilizer?

So, we can conclude that this saves time and the mulched leaves help improve the soil, which makes it easier for your lawn to hold water and get air.

But Be Sure To Avoid Mowing Over Thick Or Wet Leaves

I have to warn that if the leaves are too thick or wet, you should avoid mowing right over them. Thick layers can lead to clogged mowers and wet leaves can stick together to create a messy mat on your lawn.

This mat can suffocate your grass and prevent it from getting the sunlight and nutrients it needs to thrive (yikes!).

If you find yourself staring at a sea of leaves, it’s best to grab a rake instead. In that case, try using a mower that can switch between mulching and collecting, like the Cobra MX344SP.

This way, you can mulch the lighter leaves and collect the heavier ones to compost – it will keep your lawn happy and leaf-free!

Raking or collecting those thicker piles allows you to create compost (which is also free, yay!). As the leaves break down, they’ll turn into rich, nutritious soil that will nourish your plants.

So, while it might feel tempting to just mow over everything, taking a little extra time to deal with those thick or wet leaves can make a big difference in the long run.

Just follow these tips and your lawn will be lush and green come spring!