Leaf raking has evolved with the development of suburban lifestyles and the habit of growing carpet-green lawns. But leaf raking and disposal is not necessary! There are negative environmental consequences related to leaf cleanup. Removal costs taxpayer dollars and plastic bags full of leaves take up valuable landfill space. Landfills often leak pollutants that find their way into streams, rivers, and major waterways.
In addition, leaves removed from the landscape create a less hospitable environment for beneficial insects, birds, and other wildlife. A diverse environment is essential to our overall health as various plants and animals provide food, clean air, filter water, and provide myriad other life-sustaining services.
Instead of raking leaves for disposal, use them wisely to improve your lawn and garden. Mow leaves and leave a thin layer of the litter on your lawn or collect it to use as mulch elsewhere in your yard.
Use Leaves to Mulch
Mulch holds moisture in soil, inhibits the growth of weeds, keeps soil temperatures constant, and prevents erosion. As leaf mulch decomposes, it releases valuable nutrients needed by landscape plants.
Use mulch around newly planted trees and shrubs to help them as they become established. Established plants appreciate a coat of mulch too. Use as much as three to six inches around their base. Don’t pile mulch too deep next to the crown of plants or trunks of trees, however. The plant, bark, or wood will soften and rot. Leave a few inches for air circulation.
Add a two to three inch layer of leaf mulch to flower beds. A thick layer of leaf mulch spread over the garden will inhibit weeds. In the spring, mulch can be removed to the walkways between rows and continue to act to keep down weeds. A leaf-covered walkway will be less muddy in foul weather.
Improve Soil with Leaf Mulch
Six to eight inches of leaf mulch can be worked into garden and flower bed soils that have a heavy clay content to improve aeration and drainage. When added to light, sandy soil the leaf mulch will improve the soil's ability to hold water and nutrients.
Work leaf mulch into the soil in the fall to give the leaves time to decompose before planting. Add lime or fertilizer to speed up the decomposition process.
Composting with Leaves
Carbon-rich leaf litter hastens decomposition. Add them to your compost bin or pile them up in an out-of-the-way location. Moisten the leaves and cover them with a tarp to keep them from blowing away and to trap heat. In the spring, the leaf mold will provide top dressing for flower beds.
When mowing leaves, allow a thin layer to cover the lawn and sink into the grass. By spring they will have decomposed, adding the natural fertilizer a healthy lawn needs.
Rake Purposefully!
Use leaf mulch to improve your lawn and garden and your habitat. Feel good about not contributing to environmental pollution and saving money on fertilizer and water bills. Spend extra time enjoying the natural processes that make our world a healthier and more enjoyable place to live.
Sara E. Lewis - Sara E. Lewis is a writer and publications consultant. As a freelancer, she writes and produces marketing materials and especially enjoys ...
