The Trend of ‘Leaving the Leaves’ in Gardens and Lawns: Is It Beneficial?

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The ‘Leave the Leaves’ movement, which has been gaining traction in recent times, advocates for a new approach to dealing with fallen leaves. This movement encourages homeowners to let fallen leaves decompose naturally in their gardens and lawns rather than bagging them for landfill disposal. The decomposition process transforms these leaves into nutrient-rich organic matter, beneficial for soil health. Additionally, this practice provides a winter habitat for hibernating pollinators and other valuable insects.

However, it’s crucial to weigh various factors, such as the type of leaves and their location. For instance, it’s advisable not to allow whole leaves to accumulate on walkways, which could pose slipping hazards, or on lawns, where they might foster disease.

In the case of lawns, a dense layer of leaves can be detrimental to turf grass, especially in snowy regions where trapped moisture between the leaves and the lawn can lead to mold and fungal problems. Conversely, in snow-free areas, a heavy blanket of leaves might smother the grass by blocking sunlight and moisture.

A common practice has been to shred leaves with a mulching mower, allowing the small pieces to nourish the soil as they decompose. However, this method could inadvertently harm hibernating insects and larvae essential for the ecosystem. Instead, I now recommend gathering leaves from lawns and dispersing them in garden beds, maintaining a maximum depth of about two inches. Adding a layer of compost can further aid in decomposition. By spring, these leaves usually break down significantly.

Another use for leaves is in creating leaf mold, a special compost made exclusively from leaves. This involves piling the leaves, adding nitrogen fertilizer, and periodically watering to prevent drying. This process, though slower, results in a valuable soil amendment.

However, it’s important to be cautious with certain leaves, like those from black walnut trees, which contain juglone, a chemical harmful to many plants. Also, avoid using thick or broad leaves like oak for mulching, as their slow decomposition might hinder sunlight and water penetration to the soil.

In essence, fallen leaves are a natural resource, offering protection and nourishment to soil and wildlife, much like in a forest ecosystem. Therefore, it’s worth considering their ecological benefits rather than simply discarding them.

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Jessica Damiano, an award-winning writer known for the Weekly Dirt Newsletter and regular gardening columns for The AP, brings gardening insights directly to your inbox. Sign up to receive these tips and advice weekly.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Leave the Leaves Movement

More about Leave the Leaves Movement

• Benefits of Leaving Fallen Leaves
• Sustainable Lawn Care Practices
• Creating Leaf Mold for Gardens
• Gardening Tips for Healthy Soil
• Wildlife-Friendly Gardening Practices