Are you getting ready to pull out the rake and start the annual tradition of removing that colorful blanket of autumn foliage from the yard?

Not so fast! You have several options that can ease the back-breaking work of fall yard clean-up.

Some experts claim keeping grass free of smothering leaves allows it to get the air, water, sunlight and nutrients it needs to thrive, even in cooler weather. In addition to going old school with a rake, using a leaf blower or leaf vacuum can save time, especially on large yards. A rake is still needed to finish the job, and can also help with thatch build-up, which can damage the lawn.

Other experts say mulching leaves right into the lawn with a mower recycles a natural resource that adds nutrients and improves the soil.

Some gardeners recommend keeping un-raked leaves in planting beds and under trees to protect plant roots from temperature changes and retain soil moisture.

Preparing the leaves as compost for next year’s garden helps clean up the yard, too–as long as the kids have finished playing in the mountains of leaves!

Visit LakeWildernessArboretum.org, email info@lakewildernessarboretum.org or call 253-293-5103 to volunteer or donate.