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Leaf removal isn’t always necessary, and what you should do with leaves in your yard depends on the number of trees you have. Leaving a small amount of leaves to decompose on your property can add nutrients to the soil and help grass, plants, and trees thrive. However, large accumulations of leaves can promote mold and fungal growth, so you should do at least two fall cleanups if you have many trees on your property.

There are several ways to decompose yard waste quickly. The first step is to move all debris into a compost bin or pile. From there, microorganisms, bacteria, and insects will break down the yard waste into compost. To speed things up, shred the waste into smaller pieces, add live worms to the pile, or introduce nitrogen-rich compost accelerators like grass clippings, coffee grounds, and manure. Turn the compost over every few days. This process, called aerating, allows oxygen to get in and accelerate decomposition.

Some states have bans on disposing of yard waste in plastic bags in landfills. Yard waste takes up space in landfills and releases methane gas when disposed of improperly. It's best to repurpose it naturally to benefit your garden and the environment.

In general, you can prune up to one third of the height of most shrubs without damaging them. There are a few exceptions to this rule: Pine shrubs, for example, can’t be trimmed below the point of new growth without damaging them.