Lawn grasses need air and can't thrive under a coating of wet leaves. As leaves decay, they create slippery spots on walks and patios, and those leaves can lead to falls. Keep garden litter raked up this month and throughout winter. Discard any diseased leaves, but place healthy leaves in compost piles to decay over winter and provide excellent mulch in spring. During November, historically, more rain falls than in any other month.
Gardeners can help with keeping surface water flowing rather than backing up.
To help prevent yard debris from clogging storm drains, be sure to rake away leaves and twigs that wash into drain openings. Check for jammed or leaky gutters, because water overflow on to plants can erode soil around them, causing root exposure and plant damage. Soil that washes off landscapes can enter streams and rivers, reducing water quality and making life more challenging for fish species. A very common question to WSU Master Gardeners relates to early winter rose pruning. Do not prune roses heavily now.