dkhedmo wrote:
My question is, why does everyone generally work themselves into a
lather cleaning up the leaves? Is it damaging to the lawn or garden?

Yes. It will smother both of them, so you better start getting you gear
ready for the clean up cycle now. Do -not- let them pile up unless you
don't give a damn about what is growing under them. The clean up is a whole
lot easier if you maintain them as they fall too. imo