Gardeners should clear fallen leaves from their lawns as soon as they start to fall – but there are several reasons why you might want to keep them in the garden
Sophie Harris Senior Lifestyle Reporter and Chloe Dobinson Digital Production Editor
11:00, 09 Oct 2025
It’s advisable to remove leaves once they become waterlogged(Image: Uwe Krejci via Getty Images)
Whilst leaving fallen leaves in the garden typically poses no harm, it’s advisable to remove them once they become waterlogged. They can create a slipping hazard, particularly when frosty conditions arrive.
It’s also wise to clear them from lawns as they can prevent light from reaching the roots, causing brown and yellow patches to appear. According to Cobra, a prominent garden tool retailer, gathering leaves can be transformed into mulch, an “effective” approach for plant care during the winter months.
They explained: “Although fallen leaves may be seen as troublesome to some gardeners, they can be used as an effective, natural and free mulch.”
This organic material can be spread across grassy surfaces, flower beds and even within small plant containers to shield plants from harsh winter conditions.
The experts suggest three key garden areas benefit from mulching, including the lawn, reports the Express.
According to experts, leaves can be turned into mulch a great plant care for during the winter months(Image: Getty)
They explained: “It’s important to remove fallen leaves from lawns as quickly as possible, as they can easily suffocate the grass, starving it of oxygen and eventually killing it. However, removal isn’t the only answer.
“Mowing them into your lawn using a mulching mower that returns the cuttings to the soil can provide a great soil conditioner and will aid in moisture retention, keeping it healthy during the winter.”
Gardeners can also create shredded mulch by collecting freshly raked leaves and processing all the dry ones through a shredder. Avoid using damp leaves, as this could damage the equipment.
This mulching technique serves as another valuable garden resource.
It helps to protect plant roots whilst allowing vital nutrients, moisture, and oxygen to reach them.
The specialists also recommended scattering the shredded mulch around vulnerable plants and working it into the earth to break down naturally.
The third and most popular method for utilising unwanted leaves is through composting.
This environmentally-friendly approach transforms organic matter such as leaves and kitchen waste into nutrient-dense soil.
The specialists explained: “Fallen leaves are the perfect source for making compost. For the most nutritious and effective compost, mix moist but not wet leaves with green materials such as grass clippings and vegetable peelings.”
Ensure you turn your compost pile at least monthly to maintain proper air circulation.
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