The more that leaves are shredded or chopped, the faster they will break down without matting or creating mold. The best way to chop dry leaves is to mow over them, and then collect them in a grass catcher, bags, or containers for mulching. Dry mulch insulates well when arranged around plantings a few inches deep.
Or, you can work dry leaf litter into vegetable garden soil for extra nutrients. Keep dry leaf mulch an inch or so away from the trunks of shrubs and trees to allow air to flow around the plantings, which will reduce matting and mold. If you're feeling lazy and don't want to rake, take heart that you might be doing the environment a favor. When the leaves break down where they fall, they return essential nutrients to the grass and soil.
Additionally, the coverage that the leaves provide preserves soil moisture and suppresses weeds. Finally, birds and insects such as butterflies and moths depend on the fallen leaves. Pupa takes up residence in the leaves during the winter, so raking them up means you won't enjoy the butterflies that come later. Birds also raid the leaf litter to find food for their babies.
Raking leaves can be great exercise, but also back-breaking work. To save your back, try using a leaf blower. If you have a thick layer of leaves, you'll need a powerful leaf blower that can move leaves that can at times be heavy, wet, or dense. There are also many models of leaf blowers that offer vacuuming options so that you can transport the leaf dander to the compost pile.
If you have a thin layer of leaves, pass a mower fitted with a blade over the yard to cut them up. Then, simply leave the remnants where they are so that your lawn and your local wildlife can enjoy the benefits of leaf litter. Never burn leaves; the smoke it creates releases toxic chemicals like carbon monoxide. In addition, never put the leaves into plastic bags and send them to the landfill. Leaves take up space and the plastic bags will be harmful to the environment.
Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data. Just relocate dead leaves to a garden space where they enhance the natural plant cycle while saving you time and money. Need an account? Sign up. We use cookies on this site to improve your experience as explained in our Cookie Policy. You can reject cookies by changing your browser settings.
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