Orange and red fall landscapes look beautiful, but do fallen leaves pose a threat to your lawn? If your yard looks anything like mine, it’s hard to see the grass through the sheer amount of leaves on the ground.
There’s some debate on whether to leave the fallen leaves on the ground or make use of them elsewhere. As with most things, the best solution for your yard is a personal one. Here’s what to consider.
Must Do: Clear Fallen Leaves from your Gutters
Fallen leaves from trees flanking a house will clog the gutters unless the house is equipped with gutter guards. Clogged gutters can lead to rainwater spilling over the side, potentially causing water damage to the home’s fascia or roof. The misdirected water may land too close to the foundation, causing serious issues.
You should clean your gutters twice yearly, but it is especially important to keep them clear of leaves and other large debris that can create backups.
Leave the Leaves on the Ground
If you don’t mind looking at layers of leaves in your yard, you can leave them as is. Fallen leaves will (eventually) decompose, adding nutrients to your soil and acting as a mulch that prevents weeds from growing. The leaves also provide an environment for insects to thrive in fall and winter.
However, if you live in a snowy climate, mow over the leaves or go over them with a mulching blade. (Note: make sure the leaves are dry before you mow them.) In-tact leaves rarely decompose by spring in cold, snowy climates. Instead, they end up creating a soggy mess that’s more difficult to deal with. Breaking them up with a lawn mower remedies this problem while giving the leaves a chance to fertilize your lawn.
Create Beneficial Leaf Mulch
You can mulch leaves with a lawn mower’s mulching blade or with a portable leaf mulcher. Collect the mulch in a bag and use it around flowers, shrubs, and trees.
Rake Them Around a Tree
If you don’t have many leaves in your yard and want an easy way to clean them, rake them around a tree. They will act as mulch for the tree, eventually decomposing and fertilizing the soil.
Bag Them and Let the City Pick Them Up
Most cities have designated days for picking up yard waste such as leaves, grass clippings, and sticks. Consult your city’s website for collection days and rules. They may ask that all waste be placed in a biodegradable bag on the curb.
Some municipalities also have collection sites open year-round. Again, you must contact your local government officials or the city website for details.
Düşen Yaprakları Kompost Yığınınız İçin Saklayın
Gelecek yıl bitkileriniz için organik gübreler oluşturmak istiyorsanız, düşen yapraklarınız kompost yığınına harika bir başlangıç sunar. Düşen yaprakları kompostlamak için, parçalamak için üzerlerini biçin, yaprak parçalarını toplayın ve bahçenin belirlenmiş bir alanına yerleştirin. Yemek artıkları veya çim kırpıntıları (azot açısından zengin her şey) katmanlar halinde koyun ve kompost yığınınızı ayda bir çevirin.
Transport the Leaves to a Wooded Area
If you want to benefit the insects and wildlife in the area, consider transporting the leaves from your yard to the woods. (This works best if you have some wooded area on your property.)
Make Leaf Mold (An Organic Fertilizer)
Yaprak küfü, toprak neminin tutulmasını %500'e kadar artıran organik bir gübredir. Çok çeşitli ayrışmış yapraklardan oluşur. Tamamen ayrıştıklarında, topraksı bir kokuya sahip kahverengi, ufalanan bir maddeye dönüşürler.
Yaprakları yere veya plastik bir çöp torbasına yığarak yaprak küfü oluşturun. (Çöp torbası kullanıyorsanız, hava akışı sağlamak için içine delikler açın.) Yaprakları ayda bir veya kuruduğunda su hortumuyla ıslatın. 1-2 yıl sonra yapraklar yaprak küfüne dönüşecektir ve bunları bahçenizde veya çiçek tarhlarınızda kullanabilirsiniz.
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