CLEVELAND — There is no doubt the leaves changing and falling this autumn is late... Much later than usual. Ronda Kasia from Strongsville noticed right away.
“Like a week ago I said the leaves were not falling, and now they are coming down like snow," she says.
Kasia and her husband are in a mad rush to get rid of the leaves before the first snow, which could come any day now.
“We try and pick them up before the rain- definitely before the snow- and we know the rain is coming tonight," Kasia said. "we want to get them off the grass.”
So why the rush? Well, according to the University of Minnesota, not raking before winter can cause long-lasting issues for a homeowner.
"First, it will smother the grass and if not removed very soon in the spring it will inhibit growth," reads one post on turfgrass science. Second, it can promote the snow mold diseases. And finally, turf damage from critters (voles, mice) can be more extensive in the spring."
Jaime Bailey, another Northeast Ohio resident, just reseeded her lawn and says that keeping it clean and ready for winter is a priority. Bailey says her husband blows off their lawn at least twice a week.
“A lot of time the leaves will get trapped under the snow and they are ruining the grass as well,” the woman told 3News.
As for keeping the grass and lawn in good shape, there are two theories when it comes to raking. Some experts say that raking and composting the leaves is better for the environment. However, if you can't rake and compost before the snow, be sure to mulch them into your lawn before the flakes come down.
Earlier this month, the City of Cleveland released leaf pickup plans for residents looking to clean up their yards in time for winter. You can find more information on pickup locations, times and dates HERE.
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