Leaf them alone

To rake or not to rake—that is the question. ’Tis that time of year when gravity lures leaves to the ground and societal pressure lures us to grab rakes or annoyingly loud leaf blowers, round up these vegetative misfits and pile them in the street where city services can haul them away. But autumn rains will wash those piled leaves into street drains where they decompose, releasing phosphorus and nitrogen into our streams, increasing algae blooms, lowering oxygen levels and harming the fish. Mow those leaves into mulch instead and leave them where they are. It’s good for the lawn. And the fish.

Source: www.finegardening.com