The doers get angry daily, when more work blows in from neighbors' yards. Non-rakers tend to think those who try to foil Mother Nature are a bit obsessed. Often, however, neither has the best approach. Fallen leaves are a natural resource, said Kansas State University horticulturist Chuck Marr.
Decayed leaves add to the soil nutrients that feed trees, shrubs, flowers and vegetables.
Unfortunately, most Kansans don't turn their yard waste into compost. They assume the process takes space, knowledge, equipment or patience they don't have. At least mow your lawn with the leaves still on it. If you like, also spread leaves from garden and flowerbeds on your lawn, so you can mow them, too. This will finely shred and gather the leaves for you.