An undervalued commodity, leaves are an investment for the health of your landscape! Leaves bank 50 to 80 percent of a tree’s nutrients, yielding a treasure trove for plants. Reap the benefits of leaves by recycling nutrients back into the soil in these easy ways.
For Light Leaf Drop: Mow and Leave!
- Mulching mower works best
- Remove bag, close discharge shoot and mow
- A light layer shreds easily and decomposes quickly
- Improves soil by adding organic matter
- Efficient and easy
For Heavy Leaf Fall: Gather for Mulch!
- Rake or blow leaves and pine needles into beds
- Greatly reduces weeds
- Conserves soil moisture
- Protects plant roots from temperature extremes
- Adds nutrients to soil as leaves break down
OR: Make Compost!
- Collect leaves in a compost bin
- Add grass clippings, produce scraps, air and water
- In time, the mixture becomes crumbly, rich humus
- Use to topdress lawn and garden beds or mix into soil
- Improves physical, chemical and microbial properties of soil
Don't let it go down the drain! Yardwaste in storm drains causes flooding and creates mosquito breeding sites.