Leaf Mulching

Leaves can also be mulched. Leaves left on the ground over the winter will not harm the grass, which goes dormant in most climates. In the North, winter puts leaves through a “freeze thaw” cycle that helps soften them for decomposition. Winter snow and spring rains provide needed moisture for the subsequent breakdown.Leaves can be gathered and placed into wooded areas for mulching. They should be spread evenly, never more than six or eight inches deep. Random and unattended piles several feet in height are neither a mulch nor a compost.

Take the time to spread your leaves evenly so that they can decompose properly. If you have no natural undergrowth areas on your property, be sure to ask permission of any adjacent landowners to spread leaves in their woodlands before using it as your disposal site.

At no time should you use vacant lots, public parks, ditches, rural areas or piles over the fence as dump sites. Many communities have a program whereby local farmers allow householders to bring their leaves out to the farm for spreading in the fields.

Mulching is the beneficial use of organic matter that also happens to solve a disposal problem. Dumping leaves is a public nuisance and is often punishable by fines.

Chopping, shredding, or mowing the leaves before using them as mulch can assist leaf mulching. Care must be exercised when handling dangerous chopping equipment.

Make sure that your machine or mower is rated to handle leaves and that all necessary safety precautions are used. Safety glasses, gloves and heavy clothing are wise items to wear during all pulverizing operations.

Leaves that are placed in large piles in the fall tend to insulate themselves and shed water, delaying decomposition. The following spring the leaves look much like they did months before.

If leaves are gathered in the Fall, they should be moistened several times, layer by layer, to aid decomposition. Soil wetting agents sold at garden centers or through organic detergent retailers assist in the process of getting dry leaves to take on moisture.

If possible, spread leaves over the garden, in flowerbeds or wherever there is open soil. The three keys to getting leaves to decompose are watering, moisturizing and wetting. And then they should be watered again.

© 2000, Jim McNelly