Make Your Fall Leaves Work for You!

There are things you can do with leaves other than rake them and bag them.

Use them in compost.

Leaf mold is what’s left when you let leaves decompose naturally. It makes the forest smell…like a

forest. Leaf mold improves the soil and its water-holding ability and attracts beneficial organisms like earthworms.

Leaves make excellent mulch, suppress weeds, and feed the soil, but shred them first, as just a thick layer of wet leaves will form a solid mat and block water and air from getting to the soil. But when you shred them, they settle into the ground easier. When you first put down a layer of shredded leaves, hose them down thoroughly so they won’t blow away.

Stack leaves around plants and small trees for insulation.

Mow the leaves with your lawn mower and leave them on the lawn to feed the grass. The new wisdom about leaves is that this is the best and wisest thing to do.

If you’re going to rake, invest in a quality, ergonomic rake. Move your legs as well as your arms to reduce back pain. Rake in small sections. Listen to music. Rake downwind. Rake in groups with your whole family so it takes less time.

Only use leaf blowers to dislodge leaves from hard to reach areas, like behind bushes and under decks.

Wait until the trees are nearly bare before you start raking.

Use two garbage pail lids to pick up leaves and bag them.

Minimize how far you move the leaves. Maintain leaf piles in different parts of the yard so you’re not dragging tarps of them any long distances.

Wear gloves when raking to prevent blisters.