As autumn arrives and trees put on their annual colourful display, many environmentally-conscious homeowners have embraced the practice of leaving fallen leaves in place, while others still shudder at the perceived mess.

The benefits are well-documented as leaves provide valuable habitat for beneficial insects, enrich soil as they decompose, and reduce the volume of waste going to landfills.

However, there are dangers in leaving all leaves to overwinter in place. Instead, there are instances when this eco-friendly practice should be abandoned in favour of thorough leaf removal.

Understanding when to rake isn't just about aesthetics but about protecting the health of your landscape. On the other hand, the most compelling reason to remove fallen leaves is the presence of foliar diseases.

Many common tree and plant diseases overwinter in fallen foliage, waiting to reinfect plants when spring arrives. Apple scab,(Venturia inaequalis), one of the most troublesome diseases affecting apple and crabapple trees, occurs in the Okanagan in years with higher than normal rainfall.

Spores, known as ascospores, survive winter in infected leaves on the ground. Come spring, these spores are released during wet weather and carried by wind to newly-emerging leaves, perpetuating the cycle.

If your apple or crabapple trees showed signs........

© Castanet