Importance of Leaf Removal
What do you think of when Autumn arrives in the Great Smoky Mountains? Is it the crisp morning air, sweaters, pumpkins, or the leaves changing? It is a beautiful season and here in Western North Carolina, we are famous for the colorful display that the trees grace us with each year. However, with the changing seasons and stunning display of leaves being painted in mesmerizing hues, there also follows the inevitable need of leaf removal.
“Oh, but leaves create such a stunning earthen carpet, shouldn’t I just leave them be?” You might ask, but there is an importance to having them removed. Have you ever noticed while exploring the forest that there is no grass or turf growing beneath the trees? The reason there isn’t is, because of the leaf litter in the fall.
When trees shed their leaves and they collect on the ground they block out the crucial light that turf needs to grow. In addition to that, they also retain moisture which can create decay and mold before they eventually dry out. Once dry, the leaves then become a fire hazard.
If left unattended the leaves will choke out the much-needed sun for your turf and leave unsightly brown patches of dead grass when Spring arrives the following year. The Autumn sun is crucial for your lawn.
Throughout the hot months of summer, sunlight has been limited to your turf due to the thick canopy of your trees. As the leaves tumble down the light that has been blocked is finally able to reach the grass. With the winter months quickly approaching, your lawn needs to store as much as it can through photosynthesis before the cold arrives. Although photosynthesis does continue during the winter it works at a much slower pace, therefore it needs to work quickly to store what it needs during Fall.
So, when should you begin leaf removal? We recommend you begin removing leaves from your property when 25-30% of them have fallen from your trees. It is also recommended that leaves be removed every 7-10 days to prevent your lawn from starting to deteriorate. Don’t procrastinate on leaf removal because the time frame to protect your lawn from dying is short.
Removing leaves can be a tedious chore that results in a sore back and blisters if you chose to use a rake to maintain your leaves. It can be even more back-breaking trying to get them into bags and haul them away. Not to mention how much time it takes weekly for this Autumn chore, especially if you have a substantial lawn. However, Hambleton Services, Inc. can take care of all of this for you. We offer to blow away and remove the debris from your property. So hire a professional to do the hard work for you and save you time as well!
Another factor to consider is how quickly leaves can build up on your structures and gutters. As aforementioned, leaves retain moisture which can create mold and mildew, as well as, clog gutters and drains. Here are Hambleton Services, Inc. we can assist you in this task as well.
We can even take your leaf litter and create mulch for you that can then be used to bring nutrients back to your flower beds, plants, and more. A common misconception is that mulch is just for aesthetic purposes but in fact, it isn’t and is an important component to your lawn and garden care. Our lawn care specialists also understand that the best time to mulch with your leaf litter is while it is still warm, so the natural part of decay can happen before the chill arrives.
Go and enjoy the festivities that Fall provides! Take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway to see the trees showcase their color or hear the elk bugle in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Leave your hard work for us and we will ensure your lawns and gardens are prepared for the winter.
