Leaf it to nature: Mulching your fallen foliage

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Published Date 10/15/2024

Autumn leaves. In our grandparents' generation, songs were written about them. Nowadays we are treated to dogs and toddlers frolicking in them on social media reels.

But whose hand goes up each year to man the garden rake? According to Bob Vila’s Jennifer Noonan and Gretchen Heber, who wrote about this yearly phenomenon, leaf-raking is an optional endeavor. National Wildlife Federation’s David Mizejewski tells us that mulching leaves is the better avenue for both your lawn, and local wildlife as well.

As autumn paints the world in shades of red and gold, homeowners face the age-old question: to rake or not to rake? While you might be tempted to sweep away every last leaf, leaving your lawn as pristine as a putting green, there's a case to be made for embracing a more natural approach.

“Mulching leaves, rather than bagging them up like yesterday's trash, can be a game-changer for your lawn and garden,” says Noonan and Heber. “It's like giving Mother Nature a helping hand, and she'll thank you for it.” They engaged the expertise of landscaping Sal Musto, who explains that mulched leaves create a miniature ecosystem right in your backyard — like building a five-star hotel for worms, insects, and birds, with small animals using the leaf litter as their personal fortresses.

But the benefits don't stop there. Mulching leaves is evidently like serving your soil a nutrient-rich smoothie. As the leaves break down, they release essential nutrients that feed your grass, turning your lawn into the envy of the neighborhood.

Choosing to mulch instead of rake can also have a positive impact on the local ecosystem, says the two reporters. Beneficial insects and microorganisms will be thank you, grateful for the shelter and nutrients. It's like creating a winter resort for butterflies and moths, who often spend the cold months as eggs, pupae, or adults in leaf litter.

Over time, regularly mulching leaves can even help keep weeds at bay. Plus, you'll save money on plastic garbage bags and reduce air pollution by skipping the noisy, gas-guzzling leaf blower.

It’s easier than ever to join the mulching movement. Use your lawn mower to shred the leaves into dime-sized pieces. Set the blade to its highest setting, remove the bag, and mow over the leaves as if it were any other day. You might need to make a few passes to get the job done right. If the leaf layer is more than 6 inches thick, you might want to spread them out into a thin, even layer before unleashing your mower. The goal is to create leaf confetti that will settle between the grass blades, leaving your lawn looking neat and tidy.

For those weeks when the leaves are falling fast and furious, you might want to alternate your approach, say Noonan and Heber. One week, let the mulched leaves stay put. The next week, attach the bag to your mower and collect the shredded leaves. But don't toss them out! These leaf shreds are garden gold. Spread them around shrubs, trees, or garden beds like you're decorating a cake — replacing your fall fertilizer. The decomposing leaves provide a nitrogen boost — almost like serving your lawn a Thanksgiving feast every autumn.

So this fall, instead of bagging up leaves like they're going out of style, consider mulching them. It's easier than raking, friendlier to your lawn, and kinder to your wallet. It’s almost like letting nature take care of its own.

BobVila, TBWS

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