MINERALS

Some people like to rake fallen leaves into their flower beds to use as mulch. That’s a great idea – in theory. The problem is that as vegetation rots, or composts itself, it pulls nutrients out of the soil. While those leaves and grass clippings may create a mat that chokes out weeds and unwanted growth, they will also leach nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium out of your soil.

GROWING SEASON

Winter is not really a growing season – above ground. But, during the winter months, your trees, shrubs, ornamentals, and lawn are growing a stronger root system. It is crucial during this time that those roots encounter the richest soil possible, building a strong plant above ground this spring. If you have a thick layer of rotting vegetation resting on the grasses and soils of your garden, the nutrients necessary for healthy plants this spring will be sapped out, leaving the plants weakened. Their growth next spring will be sickly, pale, and fragile.

MOISTURE

Another problem if you don’t do leaf cleanup in the Fall is with moisture. You see, leaves that are piled and left, or that are used as mulch, create an “umbrella” of sorts that sheds water off of the soil or plants underneath. This can create a problem as the roots grow during the winter months. By allowing leaves to accumulate in your garden, you are subjecting it to a brief drought. Then, as snows melt and rain falls, rather than nourishing the soil, much of this moisture goes into rotting the vegetation.

DISEASES

As vegetation rots, it gives different types of fungus a foothold in your garden. And, there are very few fungi that are good for your plants. This can create dead spots in your lawn, and create different spots in your flower beds that simply won’t grow anything.

MULCHING

Let your Chesapeake landscapers come and remove all of the dead leaves and broken twigs from your garden. If you flower beds need to be mulched, we can do so with composted materials that are already decomposed. This type of mulch will add nutrients to the soil, rather than leach them out. In addition, mulch will allow water to saturate the area, rather than sloughing it off, but will also keep weeds from springing up.

Your landscaper will haul off and dispose of the leaves. He may mulch and compost them for next Fall – who knows? It’s sort of the “circle of life” of compost. But, the best thing is, your lawn and garden will be in good shape for next spring, and will look great all winter. Who knows, maybe your landscaper can even plant some winter-hardy flowers such as pansies or chard, so you’ll have some color all year long!