Each cool autumn is contrasted by the transformation from lush green to fiery hues of red, orange, and yellow.
Yet, after the big show, many of us are left with a sea of leaves to rake, bag, and dispose of.
So, I always say, "Why not leave them where they are?"
Be-leaf it or not, leaf litter is actually a healthy part of a functioning ecosystem! It takes trees a lot of work to create leaves throughout the summer, and they end up storing 50-80% of the nutrients a plant gathers through the season.
When those leaves go to a disposal site, you’re losing an abundance of nutrients that had previously been in our yards. That is the cheapest fertilizer if you will.
Leaves also function as a natural mulch. They keep hold moisture in the soil, regulate temperature, and avert erosion. This benefits the health of the soil in our yard and creates an environment that’s great for growing happy plants!
If you are like me and you’d like to cycle nutrients from leaves back into your soil while maintaining the polished appearance of our lawn, you can consider mowing or tilling the leaves. Mowing leaves reduces them to small, less bothersome shreds that can remain in the lawn.
By collecting those leaves with something like a lawnmower bagging attachment, you can also reapply them around garden beds, at the bases of trees, or in other landscaping.
For those that like a gentler redirection, lightly rake the leaves into your landscaping.
It may look a bit less tidy with whole leaves as opposed to shreds, but your resident pollinators will thank you.
At any rate I have a sea of leaves to take care of before the snow flies in the coming days or weeks.
There is no rest for the weary when you own an acreage.
Thanksgiving & Birthday Celebrations are over... So it's back to the grind stone for me.
Wishing everyone a Happy Tuesday!
Nana
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