Fall & Leaf Management Tips for a Healthy Lawn Next Year

When autumn hits the Lehigh Valley, the falling leaves can look beautiful — until they blanket your yard. Beneath that colorful carpet, though, your lawn could be suffocating.

Ignoring leaf buildup in the fall can lead to matted grass, fungal diseases, and bare patches come spring. That’s why proper fall property maintenance isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about preparing your landscape for next year’s growth.

At Hursh’s Landscaping, we help homeowners, HOAs, and commercial clients protect their investment with thorough fall cleanups and year-round maintenance. Here’s what every property owner should know.

Why Leaves Can Harm Your Lawn

A thin layer of leaves can act as natural mulch — but too much quickly becomes a problem. When wet, they form a dense layer that:

• Blocks sunlight from reaching the grass

• Traps moisture, promoting mold and fungus

• Prevents air circulation, suffocating turf

• Encourages pests, such as insects and rodents

Left unchecked, these issues can kill grass and lead to costly spring repairs or reseeding.

Pro tip: If you can’t see the tops of your grass blades, it’s time for leaf cleanup.

Best Times for Leaf Cleanup in the Lehigh Valley

The Lehigh Valley’s fall season typically runs from late September through early December, with leaf drop peaking in October and November.

For best results:

• Schedule two to three cleanups per fall, especially if your property has large trees.

• Aim for one major cleanup after the majority of leaves fall, before consistent frost or snow.

• For commercial properties or large estates, regular weekly visits may be needed to keep grounds safe and presentable.

Hursh’s Landscaping offers flexible seasonal cleanup plans to match your property’s needs — so you can enjoy fall without worrying about yardwork.

Rake, Mulch, or Blow? Choosing the Right Leaf Management Method

Different properties call for different cleanup strategies. Here’s what works best:

🍂 Raking (Traditional Method)

Good for small lawns and landscaped beds. Raking by hand helps remove debris carefully around shrubs and delicate plantings.

🌬️ Leaf Blowing (Efficient for Large Areas)

Professional-grade blowers make quick work of large lawns, parking lots, or commercial properties. Hursh’s crews use this method to efficiently clear spaces while protecting turf and hardscapes.

🌿 Mulching (Eco-Friendly Option)

Shredding dry leaves into fine pieces returns nutrients to the soil and can reduce waste. However, mulching only works when leaves are dry and thinly layered — not wet and heavy.

Our recommendation: Use a combination approach — mulch early, rake or blow late-season buildup.

Don’t Forget Gutters, Beds, and Edges

Leaf cleanup isn’t just for your lawn. Leaves that collect in gutters, landscape beds, or along edges can trap moisture and cause additional problems:

• Clogged gutters can overflow and damage foundations.

• Wet leaves in beds can smother perennials or encourage rot.

• Accumulated leaves in corners or fencing can attract pests.

A complete property cleanup includes removing leaves from all surfaces, not just open grass areas — something Hursh’s Landscaping crews handle meticulously during every visit.

Aerate and Fertilize Before Winter Sets In

Fall cleanup is the perfect time to strengthen your lawn for next year. Once the leaves are gone:

• Aerate compacted soil to improve oxygen and water flow.

• Overseed thin areas to encourage thicker growth in spring.

• Apply fall fertilizer rich in potassium to fortify roots for cold weather.

These steps set the foundation for a lush, green lawn next season — and our property-maintenance plans can incorporate all of them for you.

Why Hire a Professional for Fall Cleanup

While DIY leaf cleanup might seem simple, professional maintenance ensures:

• Thorough removal (including hard-to-reach areas)

• Proper disposal or composting

• Faster, more efficient work with commercial equipment

• Seasonal readiness through lawn treatments and inspections

At Hursh’s Landscaping, our dedicated crews know the Lehigh Valley’s seasonal patterns inside and out. We provide residential and commercial property maintenance, ensuring your property looks clean and stays healthy all year long.

Fall Cleanup Today, a Healthy Lawn Tomorrow

Leaf cleanup might feel like a chore, but it’s one of the smartest investments you can make in your landscape’s future. By keeping your lawn clear, aerated, and well-fed in the fall, you’ll enjoy thicker, greener turf once spring arrives.

Ready to book your fall cleanup?

Contact Hursh’s Landscaping today to schedule professional property maintenance services — and get your lawn prepared for a beautiful, stress-free spring.