There are multiple ways you can repurpose your lawn’s fallen leaves this season.
Autumn is a scenic time of year here on the East Coast as tree leaves change into brilliant reds and oranges then eventually fall to the ground, covering entire yards. Although those leaves look beautiful at first, they are technically dead leaves that will start decomposing in your yard if you don’t dispose of them properly. Fortunately, there are many ways you can repurpose these fallen leaves and use their decomposition to your benefit. Read on for several ways to use fallen leaves this season.
Create a Compost Pile
A good compost pile needs a balance of wet, green materials and dry, brown materials. Fresh grass clippings can make for excellent green material while fallen leaves are a good brown material. Finished compost contains major and minor nutrients necessary for plant growth and also improves soil structure. Follow this link for information on composting.
Mulch
Utilize fallen leaves as a natural fertilizer for your lawn and shrubs. Fallen leaves can act as attractive mulch for your garden, as they suppress weeds and eventually improve your soil through decomposition. However, it is best to shred your leaves first before using them for mulch. Using a mulching lawn mower, you can allow the chopped leaves to infiltrate the lawn’s canopy where they will break down and provide nutrients and organic matter.
Insulate Plants
Leaves can insulate plants from cold weather. To do this, circle a plant with wire fencing and stuff leaves inside the fencing around the plant. In the spring, remove the fencing, rake up the leaves and use them for composting.
Create Fall Decor
If you are looking for creative ways to entertain your kids during the fall, you can take some of your fallen leaves and turn them into attractive fall decor. Before the leaves lose their color, gather some to preserve. You can do this by ironing leaves between two wax paper sheets, which will seal around the leaves. Then, cut out the vibrant leaves and use them to create original art.
Scientific Plant Service Is Your Go-To Source In Landscape Healthcare
Scientific Plant Service, located in Baltimore, is a privately owned corporation, chartered in Maryland in 1957 by Frank J. Burke. We started as a full-service Arborists specializing in the care of shade trees and ornamental shrubs, but today we are a Lawn Care company that is a huge part of the community. From aquatic environments and snow management to deer and mole control, SPS has services tailored specifically for your lawn and landscape.
We offer services in Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia, including: Harford, Baltimore, Carroll, Frederick, Howard, Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Prince Georges, Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Calvert counties in MD, as well as Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church in VA. For more information, contact us online, or call us at 410-321-0970. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest!