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Here in Detroit Lakes and across Becker County, the brilliant colors of autumn are a welcome sight. But as the leaves fall, they create a thick blanket across our lawns and gardens. While it might be tempting to let nature take its course, a proper fall cleanup is one of the most important services to prepare your lawn for winter.1

With our area's heavy leaf coverage, this seasonal task, often called lawn winterization, is about much more than just tidying up; it's a vital investment in your property's health.

The Hidden Dangers of a Leaf-Covered Lawn

Letting a thick layer of leaves sit all winter can cause serious problems that you'll be dealing with in the spring.2

1. It Smothers Your Grass: A dense, matted layer of wet leaves blocks essential sunlight.3 Your grass needs this sunlight in the fall to store energy for winter. When it's smothered, it can weaken, leading to thin patches and a difficult start come springtime.4 As the University of Minnesota Extension warns, leaving too many leaves on your lawn can smother grass and lead to winter stress.

2. It Invites Lawn Diseases: The damp, dark environment under a blanket of leaves is the perfect breeding ground for fungal diseases.5 Effective snow mold prevention starts now with a thorough leaf cleanup.6 The University of Minnesota Extension notes that excessive tree leaf residue left on the surface can promote snow mold damage come spring.

3. It Shelters Pests: That cozy layer ...