How to Use Fall Leaves for Mulch

Looking for something practical to do with all of those leaves covering your lawn? These tips on How to Use Fall Leaves for Mulch will show you all of the ways fallen leaves can be used to protect plants and landscape your yard.

Fall has arrived, and as it makes its way through it no doubt sends thousands upon thousands of leaves twirling to the ground. If only there was something practical you could do with these leaves besides jump in them. Well the good news is, there is! Fall leaves make the perfect mulch and are a cheap way to protect your landscaping as it prepares for a winter nap. Take a look below at How to Use Fall Leaves for Much, so you can put all of those crunchy leaves to use.

How to Use Fall Leaves for Mulch

First, let’s talk about why you even need mulch. Mulch is used to hold back weed growth, keep soil moist, and add nutrients to the soil. A thick layer of mulch can prevent tons of weed pulling later and keep the perennials planted in your landscaping warm. These reasons make mulching your landscaping in the fall a wise thing to do. Of course you could buy mulch, but why not save money and use what you already have? If leaves are falling all over your yard, here is how you can use them for mulch.

1. Collect them. Use a leaf blower to blow all of the leaves to one easy to access location. You can rake them by hand if you have the energy or consider picking them up with a mulching mower. Once you have collected them, it is important to use them right away. If you can’t, place them in a leaf bag or trash can until you can.

2. Don’t allow the pile to sit. It is important to use the leaves before mold or mildew sets in. You also don’t want animals hiding out in them. Instead, use them for mulching purposes as soon as you have collected them. Fallen leaves are more useful when they are fresh and dry. Plus, allowing the leaves to sit can smother the grass under them.

3. Use the leaves to warm perennials. If cold weather is coming and you still have some perennials going strong, use the leaves to warm them. You can create a thick layer around the base of the plant or even on top of the perennials you have cut back for the season. The leaves will offer some warmth and frost protection.

4. Use as landscaping mulch. Leaves that have been fed through a mulching mower are perfect for using in your landscaping. The mulch can be applied around flower beds and gardens where it will help keep weeds down, keep soil moist, and keep plants protected. The mulched up leaves from a mulching mower also looks rather nice.

5. Cover your garden. Leaves can be used to cover your garden patch, prevent any late season weeds or growth, keep the soil rich and nutritious, and to make less work for you in the spring. Cover your gardens in a thick layer of leaves to cover all of these bases.

See how helpful leaves can be when it comes to your landscaping and gardening? Leaves can be quite helpful in the fall months, protecting your plants and making less work for you in the spring. Consider using leaves as mulch in your yard this year, and reap all the benefits they have to offer.