Leaves are falling all around us. We may grumble because as soon as we sweep them off the patio and rake them in the yard, more leaves simply take their place. But leaves can be more than just a pain, they are a rich source of organic matter.
Folks may wonder if it is necessary to rake them off the grass. Yes, it is a good practice to get fallen leaves off the lawn. Leaves will not automatically degrade into usable organic matter without some processing and if left to just lay on the grass, will eventually harm the lawn by smothering and weakening the leaf blades, predisposing the grass for fungal infestation. It is best to get them off the lawn.
Here are some ideas for using those fallen leaves.
• Source of organic matter. Till leaves into the soil for maximum benefit. Composted leaves are a source of carbon and nitrogen. If leaves are partially degraded, these nutrients are released into the soil, where microorganisms can continue the degradation process.
• Use as mulch. Loosely laid leaves are good insulators for tender perennials. Collect clean leaves and spread them loosely around perennials, trees and shrubs. Loosely laid leaves have air that is trapped between the leaves and it is the air that gives the insulating effect. Mulch also prevents soil evaporation.
Leaves can be used as organic matter in the lawn if the leaves have been finely chopped, which speeds the degradation process. Mulch leaves in a lawn using a mulcher lawn mower or by mowing over them several times. The chopped pieces of leaves will fall into the blades of grass and over time will release nutrients in the degradation process.
• Inhibit weeds. This strategy is similar in effect as when used as mulch, above. A layer of weeds, either chopped if used as mulch, or used whole, will inhibit weed germination by blocking the light and forming a layer that is not easily penetrated.
• Make compost. This is a little more complicated than simply chopping them up and spreading around as mulch, but compost provides a more immediate source of nutrient-rich organic matter. For effective compost, gather leaves into a pile several feet high, add soil, a little fertilizer and moisten. The soil provides the microorganisms that will use leaves as a food source.
Ellen Peffley Harp, a retired professor of horticulture at Texas Tech University, writes about gardening for several Texas newspapers.
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