Many trees lose their leaves during the fall and winter months, this is a survival mechanism for the tree, where going dormant allows the tree to conserve energy and water. Fallen leaves provide needed landscape nutrients and habitats for over-wintering pollinators (image courtesy unsplash.com).
By John Green, Certified Texas Expert Gardener, Orange TX
Gardeners, most local areas have now received much needed rainfall, while not drought busting, every rain event helps! Our trees remain stressed after several years of drastic environmental extremes… drought followed by intense cold weather takes many years (numerous seasonal cycles) to overcome these significant stressors. This poses a threat to gardeners (most of us) who have numerous trees that are severely distressed. Unfortunately, with each passing storm, winds generated during the storm deliver large branches and worse, huge sections of tree trunks beneath the trees canopy- a sign the tree is struggling or may be fighting a losing battle! We have numerous trees which have succumbed to environmental stressors. Be careful removing debris beneath trees since limbs fall frequently, without notice!
Many trees lose their leaves during the fall and winter months, this is a survival mechanism for the tree, where going dormant allows the tree to conserve energy and water. Are there any gardeners who would argue that raking leaves is a bit of a chore? Depending on the number of trees in the landscape, leaves dropped (leaf volume), it can be time consuming on multiple occasions! The temperature outdoors aids me in determining the best option to corral leaves. If the temp is above 70F my preference is to use a lawn mower, otherwise I prefer the old-fashioned way…raking by hand! Using a lawn mower to corral leaves, or to shred them into pieces like mulch, does not provide this gardener with the aesthetic sought after and the process is much too noisy! So, let us get started and “leaf” through some useful tips on the best way to gather leaves.
Carried by the wind, leaves form drifts, or mounds, quickly becoming thick layers in the landscape. Leaf mounds can prevent plant growth of nearby plants, attract pests, and dimmish the landscape aesthetic.
Raking leaves can be an exhausting and tiresome maintenance chore. Many gardeners find the task of raking leaves tedious, but this gardener enjoys being outdoors (especially during the cooler months) and taking my time to enjoy the sounds of nature!
It is my recommendation to allow fallen leaves to remain in place as this will benefit the landscape, wildlife, and the environment but just as importantly can reduce lawn and garden maintenance. But for some of us (me included), it makes sense to rake some of the fallen leaves, especially from pathways or an overabundance of leaves smothering other plants. If thick layers of leaves are left on lawns, they can spread disease since many fallen leaves harbor fungus.
Leaves provide invaluable nutrients that replenish the soil. Unfortunately, some gardeners choose to bag and remove leaves, to the detriment of our environment…filling landfills! The debris generated by trees: leaves, stems, seeds, bark as well as other plant parts are vital for overwintering wildlife. Pollinators, such as bees, moths, and numerous others heavily rely on garden debris, brush piles and leaves to insulate them during the colder months.
Before deciding to begin raking leaves, locate a comfortable pair of shoes, dress for the weather and wear heavy-duty leather gloves to prevent blisters to hands, and if using machinery choose hearing protection and safety glasses. Sometimes it’s easier to mow the lawn, to shorten the lawn’s height, to make raking the lawn easier!
Often gardeners will wait for leaves to stop falling…not me! Leaves continue falling over several months, meaning the lawn is going to look unkempt, and quickly become “matted” with leaf litter. Physically raking matted leaves is an arduous exercise, and not at all enjoyable (speaking from experience), nor does mowing matted leaves yield much success. Raking should not be a once-per-season event, as it will require more time outside. Mats of leaves are difficult to remove, requiring back wrenching and exhaustive work.
Gardeners, take note as it never fails, when there is finally enough time to rake, it is going to be a windy day, count this as a blessing! Utilize Mother Natures’ gift (wind) to make raking enjoyable. Rake with the wind’s direction, the process is much faster, and as an added benefit some pets (dogs) are down for fun with leaves!
Gardeners short on time, simply wanting to “get through” gardening tasks quickly will choose lawn equipment options for leaf removal. A leaf blower, when operated correctly can certainly cut down on the time spent raking (corralling) leaves. As does a lawn mower with mulching blades attached, which in turn speeds the leaf’s decomposition process.
Leaves are corralled, now what is the best use for them?
If the leaves were mulched using a mower, simply leave them in place as this fertilizes the lawn over time as the leaf fragments decompose. Another option is to rake the mulched leaves around existing shrubs, trees, flowers, and other garden areas. Other ideas to make the best use of fallen leaves:
- Create a compost bin or add leaf matter to an existing bin. Dedicate an area, then build or start a compost pile, and incorporate leaves with other yard debris. Utilize the compost to fertilize plants in spring.
- Compost bags are another option for disposal, as some municipalities offer “green waste” collection. This means the bagged leaves will be composted rather than delivered to a landfill. Municipalities often offer compost free-of-charge to residents.
- Burning leaves is another option but perhaps it should be a last resort. Burn them in small batches, on a windless day. The ashes (pot ash) which is generated from burning leaves can be utilized as a soil supplement.
Until next time fellow gardeners, let’s go out and grow ourselves a greener and more sustainable world, one plant at a time! Please send your gardening questions to: jongreene57@gmail.com.
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