This article discusses how to manage fallen leaves on your landscape.
Autumn is an excellent time of year because everything becomes colorful. Your shrubs and trees become ruby red, gold, plum, and bronze shades. However, the cleanup begins once those leaves fall off your trees. Once they fall, the fallen leaves can add up. This article discusses how to manage fallen leaves on your landscape.
Do Dead Leaves Harm Plants or Soil?
You may be wondering if dead leaves are good for grass. The answer is no. When fallen leaves cover most of your landscape, they can inhibit growth once springtime approaches. The most amount of fallen leaves you should have on your lawn is 10 to 20% area coverage. As for the remaining of the leaves, you have some options:
- You can rake the leaves, collect or eliminate them from your landscape, or use a blower to push them into a pile off your lawn.
- If you have a lawn mower bagger, you can compost and collect the dead leaves and clipped grass.
- You can also mulch the fallen leaves with your lawn mower, chopping them into smaller pieces. This actually benefits your landscape because the organic matter and nutrients from those dead leaves in these more petite pieces may break down, benefiting your soil and lawn.
The Advantages of Fallen Leaves
Although dead leaves might not be great for grass in large amounts, they can benefit your soil. Can you compost dead leaves? Of course. Dead leaves decompose over time, making compost that can enhance your soil’s overall structure. But you cannot allow leaves to smother your plants as they fall. Instead, you can transfer some leaves to other areas that need it or make a compost pile full of excess leaves on your property. Mix leaf litter and organic materials such as food waste and grass clippings to compost leaves. Are Composting Dead Leaves Harmful to Your Lawn?
Composted dead leaves have many benefits when done correctly, but if left unmanaged, dead leaves can harm your home landscape. First, thick layers of fallen leaves can absorb so much moisture. This makes them prone to rot issues and fungal diseases. Secondly, leaves left to pile up can suffocate your turf, contributing to snow mold damage over the winter time. Overall, avoid any negative leaf pile-ups by managing fallen leaves properly.
Tree Care and Maintenance from Harford Tree
Ready to have the beautiful yard you have always dreamed of? Harford Tree Experts & Landscaping, Inc has been in the business for decades, providing customers with quality work and quick responses all at the right price. We service the areas of Harford County, Baltimore County, and Baltimore City areas including Bel Air, Fallston, Perry Hall, Towson, Essex, Parkville, White Marsh and Middle River.
For service during business hours, reach out to us or give us a call at 410-592-7321. We offer 24/7 emergency service as well, just give us a call at 443-250-6649. For updates about our business and more informative tips, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.