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Ways to Recycle Autumn Leaves

Ways to Recycle Autumn Leaves

Many horticulturists argue that recycling your autumn leaves as opposed to simply disposing of them is not only healthier for your lawn, but better for the environment. That’s why we put together a few suggestions on how to properly recycle your autumn leaves.

Composting

Fallen leaves are gold mines for nutrients, and composting is one of the most efficient ways of preserving their mineral-based content, which can prevent certain types of soil from drying out as well as helping to soak up rain. If you’re going to go the composting route, make sure your leaves are shredded, and add a nitrogen supplement when possible.

Mulching

Leaves, when left on the ground, are detrimental to lawn growth. They prevent air and light from getting to your lawn, which cause unsightly brown patches and stop new grass from growing. Don’t leave them lying there lifeless; instead, use a leaf-mulching lawnmower that mixes the leaves into grass particles, which allows for quicker composting.

Gardening

Many people are not aware that raked leaves can also be incorporated into gardens for earthworms to feast on. When we bag up leaves and dispose of them at landfills, we are contributing to a hazardous mess. The leaves are denied the oxygen they need to decompose, resulting in a build-up of methane gas.

Additionally, when we sweep leaves into the street, they find their way into streams and rivers, often breaking down to create harmful algal blooms. Adding leaves to your garden is an ideal way of re-mineralizing the soil.

Need a hand with your fall landscaping tasks? At Brother Tree & Lawn, we’d be happy to help! Give us a call today to schedule an appointment.