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Subject: Re: why rake?
From: "Dick Uherka" <dickels@netins.net>
Organization: netINS, Inc.
Date: Wed, 10 Nov 99 09:56:12
Message-ID: <MOD$991110.8049@rec.gardens.ecosystems>
References: <MOD$991106.9807@rec.gardens.ecosystems>



Why rake, indeed? Does nature ever rake leaves? No way, she just recycles
them right back to the earth. Nature, however, does not do established lawn
grasses either. In a timber setting I'd say, "let nature take her timely
course." But with established lawn grasses, it would be best to mow over
the leaves to pulverize them and hasten the process of nature. Large
volumes of whole leave wintered over on lawn grasses may harbor unwanted
disease, fungus, insects, or whatever. Never, but never, rake and burn or
rake and trash. That organic matter is way too valuable for that. Put the
word out and some organic minded person will be all too happy to take those
bags of potential compost out of your way.

cheers and happy compost
CoFarb wrote in message ...
>
>It's another beautiful day in zone 4...Why do I want to spend it raking?
>
>Seriously, my backyard is completely surrounded by mature deciduous
>trees. No oaks. The leaves are mostly maple, viburnum... Overall it's
>been a dry fall, and the fallen leaves are curling up and dry. I really
>don't care about lawn (no pesticides, herbicides or nutrients added by
>me).
>
>Why rake?
>
>Donna
>
>
>