Last Updated: April 2026

Frequent Raking and leaf removal can have a dramatic impact on the health of your Aurora area lawn. It should be part of any winterization regiment.

Fall Happens– Frequent Raking Must Too!

We all love the lush, beautiful fall colors. Those roadways with tree canopies can be one of the great treasures of fall. If you are lucky enough to have this kind of tree cover in your back yard, it can be something truly magnificent.

But alas, those leaves crumble to the ground as we advance through the calendar. The leaves that were at one time pretty to look at, represent a problem as they cover your lawn.

Many times they are filled with mold. And as they create a ground cover, they can damage the health of your lawn – limiting sunlight. This can also result in weakened root systems.

How to get rid of your leaves…

Make sure you are doing Frequent Raking to remove the leaves and keep this potential lawn risk at a minimum. There are other ways to help mitigate the risk, as well. If you have a mulching mower, it can help break the leaves down into a compost that will benefit the grass.

If you have trees closer to your home, make sure to check the gutters, and make sure they are clean. Make sure any drains on your property are clear as well. If leaves back up in any of these locations it can impact drainage, and cause water damage.

Also, make sure to take a look at your city ordinances for getting rid of leaves. Some cities permit burning, while many do not. Make sure you know if your city requires them to be bagged or not.

Don’t let the fall leaves negatively impact the health of your lawn– keep up that Frequent Raking! And don’t ignore your health either– here are some tips on safety when raking.

For more information or help with your fall landscaping, call us at (630) 669-4797 or email us!

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I rake leaves in the fall in the Aurora, IL area?
In the Fox Valley region, heavy leaf fall typically runs from mid-October through November. Raking every 5 to 7 days prevents thick mats from smothering grass and blocking sunlight. Letting leaves sit longer than two weeks significantly increases the risk of fungal disease and turf thinning heading into winter.
What happens if you don’t rake leaves off your lawn in the fall?
Unraked leaves trap moisture, block sunlight, and create ideal conditions for snow mold and other fungal diseases. They can also mat down and suffocate the grass underneath, leaving dead patches come spring. Regular raking is one of the simplest and highest-impact things you can do to protect a lawn through an Illinois winter.
Can I mulch leaves instead of raking them in the Fox Valley area?
Yes — mulching with a mower works well when the layer is light. Finely shredded leaves break down quickly and return nutrients to the soil. However, if leaf coverage is heavy (common with oak and maple trees in the Oswego and Yorkville area), mulching alone won’t be enough and raking or bagging will still be necessary.

Related Resources: Learn more about our landscaping services in the Fox Valley, explore drainage solutions to complement your fall lawn prep, or request a free quote for seasonal yard care.

Written by BLC Yardworks — Fox Valley hardscaping, landscaping, and water feature contractors serving Oswego, Yorkville, Plainfield, Naperville, and surrounding communities since 1999.