Raking leaves is more than creating a neat appearance for your lawn. Lawn experts advise that you shouldn't let leaves sit on the grass for more than 3 or 4 days, as they block the flow of air and can be damaging to the grass.
Here is an article I found about raking leaves. How do I know when it is time to rake my leaves?
At our home we are fortunate to have most of the leaves blow off the grass naturally. We only have a few to clean up if it rains and they become damp and heavy. Otherwise the prevailing west wind takes them off to rest alongside the creek that meanders through our yard.
My parents are not so lucky. They have an enormous poplar tree that produces thousands of leaves. They are heavy and thick. Dad prefers to mulch them chasing them for days with the riding lawnmower, but there is always more to rake. Often this is a family activity and we have been doing it for years. The kids used to love playing and jumping in the leaves when they were young. Now it seems like more of a chore.
When planting trees in your own yard, take my advise and consider the maintenance that you will have in the fall when the leaves come down. You will be thankful you did.