To rake or not to rake: Experts offer tips on how to handle autumn leaves in Middle TN

Autumn leaves are beginning to fall in Nashville.

For many, that means it's time to break out the rakes and leaf blowers. But you may want to hold off this year.

There are a slew of environmental benefits to letting leaves linger, experts say.

Here's a rundown of do's and don'ts when it comes to lawn maintenance and leaf management this fall.

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Don't: Rake your leaves up and collect them in trash bags

When you collect and dispose of your leaves, you contribute to the millions of tons of yard trimmings added to landfills in the U.S. each year. In 2018, yard trimmings constituted 12.1%, or more than 35 million tons, of all municipal solid waste landfills.

There are plenty of alternatives to throwing away every last leaf.

Don't: Get rid of every last leaf

It's understandable to want to clear space in your yard when the leaf cover is thick. Just try not to get rid of every last leaf. According to the National Wildlife Federation, there are several benefits to leaving even some of the leaves in your yard:

• Leaves act as a natural fertilizer for lawns and gardens.

• Leaf cover holds much-needed moisture close to the earth.

• Small animals and important pollinators can use leaf cover as shelter during cold weather months.

Do: Mow over leaves to break them down

Mowing over a thin covering of leaves is recommended to break them up into smaller pieces, which can aid in the process of degradation.

Do: Use leaves as mulch near trees and in your garden

If you want to collect excess leaves, try using piles as a natural mulch near the base of trees and shrubs. You can also compost leaves to contribute to healthy soil for your garden.

Combine fallen leaves with grass clippings and other “green material.” Keep the mixture moist and well mixed. You’ll have nutrient-rich compost to add to your garden next spring.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: What do experts say about raking autumn leaves in Middle Tennessee?