Tour companies in the northeast are booked for leaf-peeping tours this fall, but for those not up for a long road trip, check out the Talimena National Scenic Byway in southeast Oklahoma. Or better yet, check out the colorful leaves in your own backyard. While they’re pretty to look at, they’re also a valuable resource for the landscape.
For many homeowners, the first thought is to rake and bag them. Leaves can be a great resource for the landscape, but they are wasted if they are simply bagged and put into landfills. Landfill space is becoming scarce, and the leaves would take up valuable space. By not bagging, homeowners would reduce the use of plastic lawn bags that don’t break down easily in the landfill.
There are several ways homeowners can use fall leaves to their benefit. As leaves decompose, valuable nutrients are released back into the soil. This helps improve soil structure, which enhances soil aeration and water retention.
For those who don’t care for the look of the leaves on the ground, mulch them with the lawn mower. The easiest way to do that is mow the lawn normally. The leaves will get chopped up and deposited back on the turf to add nutrients to the soil. The leaves can also be captured in the mower’s bag attachment, spread in fallow flower beds or tilled into the soil. Over the winter, the leaves will break down, adding organic matter to the soil.
Another benefit of the chopped leaves is that they help with moisture retention. Using the chopped leaves as mulch helps retain soil moisture, reducing the need for watering. Chopped leaves also protect plant roots from drying out. However, be careful about putting too many chopped leaves in a garden bed as they can suffocate existing plants. Be sure to spread them out to a depth of just a few inches.
For those with a lot of trees on the property, the number of leaves may seem overwhelming. Consider renting or buying a vacuum shredder. Much like a vacuum cleaner, these tools suck up the leaves, chop them and dispense them into a bag. This process can be used only when the leaves are dry.
Homeowners with a soft spot for wildlife can let the leaves remain to provide habitat for insects, spiders and other small creatures. Remember, these tiny creatures play a crucial role in the ecosystem by providing food for birds and other wildlife. Also, bees and butterflies use leaf litter to overwinter. These pollinators are vital for the landscape.
