Gardeners told 'don't remove leaves from lawns' this autumn

Gardeners are being warned that once the autumn leaves start to fall, they shouldn't be removed immediately, as their "business is far from over".

Leaves tend to fall most prominently in October and November, with one expert recently warning gardeners to not remove them this month. But ecological writer Alys Fowler has taken that viewpoint to a greater, and more controversial, length. She believes leaves should not be disturbed at all throughout autumn.

She claims that they are "called leaves for a reason" and can actually be beneficial for the plant they fell from because they can aid soil in storing more carbon. Alys claims that this not only benefits your lawn but also your wider garden by aiding in the absorption of minerals and water. The leaves can also provide a habitat for insects, beetles and worms, she explained.

While the leaves may initially appear untidy, the avid gardener explained that the winter wind will sweep them away. It is then that worms will be able to decompose them and push them deeper into the soil.

In Gardeners' World magazine, Alys writes: "They're called leaves for a reason; to be left alone to do their essential work. They may look spent but their business is far from done, both for the plant they left and the wider world around them."

She added: "Soil can hold up to 30 percent more carbon if the autumn leaves are left to rot. Carbon feeds the soil food web, particularly mycorrhizal fungi, which improves not only the trees' ability to take up water and minerals, but also the lawn and wider garden."

Alys points out the elephant hawk moth, with its distinctive pink and olive green colour, as something that exists because of decaying leaves. She says leaf litter is a crucial place where moths such as the elephant hawk can create cocoons.

But not everyone agrees with Alys' views. Lawn Association chairman David Hedges-Gower warns leaves can "suffocate and kill" grass.

He maintains leafmould can destroy even the most robust lawns. He says that allowing leaves to decompose in your garden means you'll need to overseed come spring whilst watering to preserve its vitality.

However, he does assert that raking your leaves and placing them on your garden bed can assist your lawn in surviving winter.

He said: "Neglecting our lawns by leaving fallen leaves not only harms them but creates unnecessary work each year, increasing our unsustainable footprint. Unlike other garden areas, lawns require attention year-round."

David considers "protecting" your lawn should be a "priority" as it helps establish a sustainable outdoor space and "enhances your garden's beauty year round".

He advocates making your lawn straightforward to manage and sustainable.

The Royal Horticultural Society states leafmould can, particularly if it has been decomposing sufficiently long, become seed-sowing compost or garden compost.

Leafmould that has been decomposing for under two years can be utilised as mulch, soil conditioner, autumn top-dressing for lawns, or winter protection for exposed soil.

It can however become infected with weeds, meaning gardeners creating their own leafmould compost need to exercise caution.

Meanwhile, leaves discovered on the street can be contaminated with debris so should be inspected before being added to a leafmould pile.