Leaf management practices spark debate between sustainability and lawn health

The practice of ‘leaving the leaves’ is being approached with different strategies in the United States and the United Kingdom. In Bowling Green, a partnership between the city, the Bowling Green Save Our Neighborhoods Group, and the Bowling Green State University Environmental Service Club is promoting sustainable lawn care. The initiative encourages residents to use leaves as mulch in garden beds to retain moisture, provide nutrients, and create habitats for insects like fireflies. Residents can also mow leaves into smaller pieces to act as fertilizer for turf grass.

Conversely, gardening experts in the UK are warning against leaving thick layers of leaves directly on lawns. Experts, including Michael Griffiths and horticulturist Hillary Thompson, note that heavy leaf mats can block sunlight and air from reaching the grass, leading to dead, brown patches. Furthermore, trapped moisture beneath the leaves can encourage the growth of moss and fungal diseases. While leaf mulch is beneficial for planting beds, experts suggest it can be detrimental to the health of turf grass if not managed correctly.