David Domoney urges gardeners to clear leaves from their lawns
Rodents are not wanted in gardens because of the damage they can cause to fruit, vegetables, seeds, bulbs, plants and containers, and in some cases even to properties.
Two rodents in particular that are always looking for somewhere to shelter are rats and mice.
Piles of leaves, mulch or other leftover garden materials can act as a perfect rodent nesting site or even for a colony.
If this is up against your house they could eventually chew through and get inside.
According to the gardening experts at Cobra, this garden task is “more essential than it seems” as piles of fallen leaves left uncollected in the garden can entice these pests.
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They explained: “When leaves are not cleared, they can provide a welcoming shelter for unwanted pests that thrive in warm and moist environments.
“Populations of insects and rodents can grow rapidly and quickly becoming a nuisance and can even cause damage to properties or spread diseases to plants and pets that share the garden.”
Aside from rodents, fallen leaves can also cause two other issues – one of them being damaged lawns.
The pros claimed that one of the “biggest problems” caused by not clearing leaves is the “damage” it can cause to lawns.
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While leaves may seem harmless as they cover the ground, they can cause “serious harm” to the lawn’s health.
A dense layer of fallen leaves can block sunlight and trap moisture, creating an environment where fungal diseases can grow.
The experts claimed: “The lack of sunlight can hinder photosynthesis, impeding grass growth and eventually leading to thin, patchy, or dead areas of lawns.”
The other issue it can cause is drainage issues in the garden because if leaves are left to pile up in gutters and drains, rainwater cannot flow through properly.
This can then lead to clogged gutters and water overflow, causing damage to homes and gardens.
Unblocking drains can be expensive if homeowners have to get someone out and can be a dangerous task to tackle without the correct equipment.
How and when to clear leaves
Clearing leaves that have been left to pile up can be both difficult and time-consuming. The longer the leaves are left to decompose, the more compressed they become, making it physically demanding to remove them.
Regularly clearing leaves can help stay on top of the task and prevent facing a daunting pile of deep, heavy, wet leaves.
It’s best to clear leaves on a dry day because wet leaves are heavier and harder to move, and always do it before a frost or snow as winter weather can make fallen leaves slippery and hazardous.
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