It's always nice to remove leaves from your lawn during the autumn season. After all, they can prevent you from mowing the lawn, and they can look messy. However, if you plan to remove leaves from your lawn, there are some things you should avoid. Let's discuss four of the don'ts when it comes to leaf removal in your yard.

1. Don't Burn Them

Some people will be tempted to burn leaves instead of bagging them or putting them into a bin. However, doing so can be a danger to you and others, and it could even damage your lawn. If you burn your leaves, the ashes could get on your land and damage it.

Loose leaves can also slip away from your pile, and they could cause other objects to catch on fire. There are too many uncontrollable factors when you burn leaves, so you should avoid doing it so you and others can remain safe.

2. Don't Leave Piles for Days

Raking up leaves takes tons of time, so you may feel tempted to leave piles on your lawn. However, it isn't a good idea to do so for multiple days since your lawn won't get as much sunlight and it may negatively impact the grass underneath.

On top of this, if you have leaf piles, you may attract insects to them. This means that venomous spiders could get into your piles, and they could be dangerous if they get on you without you knowing. 

3. Don't Lift Too Many at Once

Some people will try to pick up multiple leaves at once, but this could cause you some frustration and problems. For example, you may pick up a bunch of leaves and have them drop all over your lawn as you walk them over to a bag.

Lifting too many at once could also increase your odds of getting bit by something. An insect could be on the leaves, so if you pick up too many of them, a spider could get on you. Make sure you act carefully and avoid picking up too many leaves at once.

4. Don't Rake Them Into the Street

If you don't want to pick up your leaves, then you may think about raking them into the street. Doing so can cause an obstruction for your neighbors and others, which will prevent them from driving down the street.

The leaves can also wash down the drains in the streets, which could cause clogging and other issues. In short, raking leaves into the street will cause unnecessary problems for other people.

You can remove leaves from your yard, but you should avoid the above actions. They can cause problems for you and those around you, so it's better to avoid them and stick to bagging your leaves immediately. Doing so will help you have a beautiful yard while also minimizing problems for you and others.

If you have deciduous trees on your property, you can expect their leaves to cover your lawn at some point each fall. Although it is common practice to rake them into bags or blow them into the forest behind your home, there is also an argument to be made for letting them stay where they are. Let's take a look at the pros and cons of such a decision. 

Leaves Can Protect Plants From the Bitter Cold

A layer of dead leaves can help the plants in your garden stay warm enough to survive through the winter. Furthermore, covering plants with leaves may help to prevent weed growth without having to use pesticides or other harsh chemicals. 

Significant Lawn Damage Can Occur

Failing to remove leaves from your yard could result in patches of brown or dead grass. This is because they will prevent the grass from receiving adequate amounts of water or sunlight. In some cases, a lack of sun or moisture can leave grass vulnerable to fungus growth or other issues that will eventually cause it to die or be eaten by pests. 

Pests May Be Attracted to the Leaves

Leaves can provide beetles, termites, and other pests with a source of food, water, and shelter. It isn't uncommon for mice, rats, or other rodents that feast on these pests to also be attracted to the dying leaves laying on your property. It is important to keep in mind that bugs or rodents may make their way into your homes as the temperatures get colder and their need for permanent shelter increases.

Water Might Be Forced to Pool or Pond

Leaves can act like a natural tarp that allows water to pond or pool instead of being absorbed into the ground. In some cases, water that accumulates on a leaf pile might be directed toward your house instead of away from it. This could result in significant damage to interior walls, floors, or the home's foundation. 

It is typically in your best interest to make a good faith effort to remove as many leaves as you can from your yard. This may be true even if you may have to rake or run the leaf blower multiple times to keep the grass clear. By spending a few hours maintaining your property now, it may be possible to prevent pests or water damage in the future.