Message From Code Enforcement: Fall Is Upon Us! So, What Can We Do with Leaves?

Shredding leaves with a mulching mower will save you time and money. Mulching is faster and easier on the back than raking. Studies have shown that mulching leaves can return nutrients and organic matter to the yard and have long-term positive effects.

4 Best Practices for Making Shredded Leaf Mulch

• The turf must be mowed high.
• The leaves should be dry, not wet, and matted down.
• Leaf mulching should be done every week. If done too infrequently, the thickness of the leaf litter will be too much for the mulching effort to be effective. You will create a layer of smaller leaves.
• Leaf mulching early in the fall, while the soil temperature is still warm, will lead to rapid litter decomposition. Waiting until the end of fall is counterproductive as the soil temps have cooled, and decomposition is slower.

In conclusion, fall lawn care doesn’t have to include the tedious job of raking or blowing leaves. Follow these simple steps for how to mulch leaves and your lawn and your back will thank you!