Schedule your fall leaf cleanup after most of your trees have dropped their leaves. In eastern Cincinnati that usually means mid-November into early December, and the goal is to clear the lawn before the first lasting snow.
If you have oaks, plan on a second pass. Pin oaks and some other oaks hold their leaves late into the season, so one early cleanup can leave you with a fresh layer a few weeks later.
Why leaves should not stay on the lawn all winter
A thin scattering of leaves will not hurt your grass. A thick, wet layer will. Matted leaves block sunlight, hold moisture against the grass and give snow mold a place to grow. In spring you can end up with flat, dead patches that need to be raked out and reseeded.
Leaves piled against your house, deck or patio also hold water where you do not want it, and leaves left in gutters and drains can back up during winter rain.
Mulch them or remove them?
If the leaves are light enough that you can still see grass through them, mowing over them with a mulching mower is fine. The small pieces break down and feed the soil. Once the layer is thick enough to hide the grass, mulching turns into a soggy mat. That is when the leaves need to come off the lawn.
What about flower beds?
A light layer of leaves in beds can help insulate perennials over winter. Pull heavy mats away from the base of shrubs and away from your foundation, and keep leaves out of spots where you see standing water.
What a professional leaf cleanup includes
- Clearing leaves from the lawn, beds and edges along fences and walls
- Blowing out corners where leaves collect, like window wells and along the foundation
- A final mow so the grass goes into winter at a clean, even height
- Bed cleanup and edging so the yard looks finished until spring
Ask any company you hire what is included and where the leaves go when they leave.
Let Top Scapes Design handle it
Top Scapes Design does fall leaf cleanups for homes in New Richmond, Amelia, Batavia, Anderson and across eastern Cincinnati. We can pair your cleanup with a final mow, so your yard goes into winter clean and comes out of it healthy. We are rated 4.9 stars on Google by 58 customers.
Fall schedules fill fast once the leaves come down. Call (937) 218-6729 or request a free quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it bad to leave leaves on the lawn over winter?
A thick layer is. It blocks light, traps moisture and can lead to dead spots and snow mold by spring.
Can I just mow over my leaves?
Yes, if the layer is light enough to see grass through it. Thick layers need to be removed.
How many leaf cleanups do I need?
Most yards need one. Yards with oaks often need a second pass a few weeks later.
Do you do leaf cleanup near me?
Top Scapes Design serves New Richmond and eastern Cincinnati. Call (937) 218-6729 to check your address.