As another summer quickly draws to a close – I’ll pause for the collective sigh to stop – the most beautiful season of the year is right around the corner.

But with this magical time of color changing trees and football, there is another time honored tradition we all must remember and take part in: leaf raking.

While this task may seem as nothing more than playtime for some, and just a tedious task of busy work to others, there is yet a more pressing reason to rake the leaves. And yes, of course, it is an environmentally friendly reason.

Hey, who would we be if we didn’t push environmental consciousness?

Because some grass genes, especially those in colder, northern climates, grow their most during the fall season, it is important to give those grass species as much of their most important resources as possible.

Leaf covered grass can be deprived of the nutrients it needs in order to survive. Plus, the lack of air and water can be a breeding ground for fungi and insects.

Of course the most important resource the grass is being forced to do without is the sun.

Grass can literally be blanketed from the sun by a layering of leaves. Without the sun cool-season grasses, like in the northern climates or Kentucky bluegrass, can greatly be affected in their prime growing seasons.

For those that enjoy having a healthy lawn, without the muscle and time it traditionally takes raking leaves, try out the Featherweight Lawn Sweeper on composters.com. Unlike leaf blowers it’s quiet, and unlike the heavy-duty machinery, completely eco-friendly.

Because having a great looking lawn during all seasons shouldn’t come at the expense of your time, or your environment.