Gardeners warned not to rake up autumn leaves as their 'work is far from done'

Garden enthusiasts have been advised to refrain from clearing autumn leaves off their lawns as their "business is far from over". Ecological expert Alys Fowler emphasises that they are "called leaves for a reason" – beneficial for the very plants they have dropped from.

According to her, this natural foliage helps the soil increase its carbon storage. Alys points out that this assists not just your grassy areas but also enhances the overall garden's capacity to absorb minerals and moisture.

Furthermore, she explains, the fallen leaves offer a haven for a host of creatures, including insects, beetles, and worms. While initially untidy, Alys assures that the brisk winter gusts will sweep the leaves aside, allowing the worms to decompose them further into the earth's layers.

Writing in Gardeners' World magazine, Alys asserts: "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 per cent more carbon if the autumn leaves are left to rot. Carbon nourishes the soil food web, especially mycorrhizal fungi, which boosts the trees' uptake of water and minerals, as well as benefitting the lawn and garden at large," reports the Express.

Alys also draws attention to the elephant hawk moth, noting its striking pink and olive green hues, which owes its existence to decaying leaf matter. She stresses that leaf litter provides an essential cocoon-building habitat for moths like the elephant hawk.

However, according to David Hedges-Gower, chairman of the Lawn Association, fallen leaves can "suffocate and kill" grass if left unattended. He asserts that leafmould has the potential to destroy even robust lawns and cautions that allowing leaves to decompose on the garden could necessitate overseeding and watering in spring to preserve lawn health.

Nonetheless, he notes that raking leaves and transferring them to flower beds can protect lawns through winter. Mr Hedges-Gower stated: "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."

He stresses that keeping lawns well-maintained should be a "priority" for it contributes to sustainability and "enhances your garden's beauty year round".

Experts at the Royal Horticultural Society often describe leafmould as a valuable addition, particularly as seed-sowing compost or general garden compost if it is well-rotted. For leafmould that hasn't fully decayed, typically less than two years old, uses include being a soil enricher, a lawn top-dressing for autumn, or as winter protection for exposed soil.

They also advise gardeners that DIY leafmould can harbour weeds and to be wary when adding homemade compost. Additionally, street-collected leaves might have contaminants and need to be checked before inclusion in leafmould heaps.