Follow our guide to managing your fall leaves this season.
As autumn arrives, so do the vibrant colors and eventual shedding of leaves that cover our lawns. While these leaves may seem like a seasonal hassle, how you handle them can significantly impact the health of your landscape. Understanding when and how to manage fall leaves will not only keep your yard looking neat but can also provide valuable nutrients to your soil. Scientific Plant Service can help you learn how to use fall leaves and the best times to complete each task.
Early Fall: Mulch Leaves Into the Lawn
During early fall, when the leaves start to drop but the accumulation is still light, you can use a mulching mower to chop the leaves directly into your lawn. This method allows the shredded leaves to break down naturally, returning essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium back into the soil. The key is to mow frequently while the leaf cover is still manageable so the small, chopped pieces decompose quickly.
Mulching is an environmentally friendly way to deal with leaves and eliminates the need for disposal. It also acts as a natural fertilizer for your grass, promoting healthier, thicker growth in the spring.
Mid-Fall: Collect and Compost
As the leaf drop intensifies through mid-fall, mulching may no longer be sufficient to keep up. This is the ideal time to start raking or using a leaf blower to gather leaves. Once collected, consider adding them to your compost pile rather than bagging them for removal. Leaf compost is rich in organic material that can later be used to enrich garden soil and flower beds.
For best results, chop the leaves before composting them to speed up decomposition. You can simply run over them with a mower before adding them to your compost pile. Mix the leaves with green materials, such as grass clippings or vegetable food scraps, to balance carbon and nitrogen levels in the compost.
Late Fall: Rake or Vacuum to Prevent Lawn Suffocation
By late fall, you’ll likely be dealing with the heaviest leaf drop. If a thick layer of leaves blankets your lawn, it’s important to clear them to prevent suffocating the grass beneath. Without access to sunlight, your lawn can weaken, potentially leading to dead patches or inviting pests and diseases.
You can rake the leaves by hand or use a lawn vacuum for larger areas. While raking can be time-consuming, it’s an excellent way to collect leaves to use as mulch for your garden or flower beds. Spread a thin layer of shredded leaves around plants to provide insulation against winter cold, help retain moisture, and enrich the soil as the leaves decompose.
Before the First Snow: Final Cleanup
Before the first frost or snowfall, aim to complete a final leaf cleanup. Any leftover leaves can get compacted under the snow, turning into a soggy mess by spring that’s difficult to remove and harmful to your lawn. Collect any remaining leaves from your lawn, garden beds, and hardscape areas. Finally, make sure your gutters are also clear of leaves before the winter months to prevent blockages and water damage to your home.
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, Instagram, and Pinterest.