Statewide, Iowa — Some Iowa trees that were stressed by the drought are already starting to drop their leaves, but soon, homeowners across the state will be delving into the chore of leaf raking.
Adam Thoms, a horticulture professor at Iowa State University and a turfgrass extension specialist, says there may be a better alternative to raking that doesn’t require you to buy those leaf recycling bags some Iowa cities require.
While some lawn mowers are sold as mulcher mowers, just making a few passes will typically grind up the leaves sufficiently. Thoms says mulching this fall can bring a healthier lawn next spring.
Iowans who have bare patches in their lawns due to drought, construction or something else, might consider buying a bag of grass seed and a bale of straw.
This is also a good time to aerate your lawn, he says, as that process reduces compaction, improves soil health, and produces deeper rooted plants which should stay greener, longer during dry spells.
