Q: What should I do about falling leaves and pine needles?
A: Do not leave fall leaves on new grass for more than a week, as the shading and leaf acid tannins will kill new grass. Carefully remove leaves by gently blowing them off when they are dry and light, after the grass has come up. The new sprout has to be at least a week old before blowing off any leaves or pine needles. Be very careful not to disturb the seed bed.