While I’m somewhat unsure what season we’re in right now, the deciduous trees have had it figured out for quite some time. They began preparing for winter a long time ago, by recalling and sequestering the nutrients from their leaves, and then began cutting them loose. For many, the spectacular show of fall color is the gift we receive from them before they check out for winter. But that is an unintended consequence of what is really at play. There is a greater plan.
The benefits of those fallen leaves, and the role they play in the ecosystem, are well documented. Leaf litter is in itself an entire ecosystem, with a multitude of organisms that contribute to the well-being of the whole. Leaf litter provides habitat for wildlife, increases beneficial insects and soil microfauna, and improves soil health. Keeping it on the ground also reduces pollution and noise from leaf blowers, and landfill waste.
How much is good, and how much is too much?
If your leaves cover the lawn by no more than 20%, leave your rake in the shed and just ignore them, says the University of Wisconsin Extension. They will take care of themselves and your lawn will be no worse.
At 50% coverage, you still don’t have to rake, but do run your mulching mower over the leaves. The smaller pieces will decompose and provide nutrients for the lawn ecosystem.
But if the leaves begin to cover the lawn so much that you can’t see it, and they’re piling up, you should limber yourself up and pull out the rake. That doesn’t mean raking and bagging them for curb pickup. Leave a manageable amount, as suggested above, that can be mowed over. The rest can be used to mulch plants for the winter or saved to use in the spring.
Think of fallen leaves not as a nuisance but as a precious gift that trees provide us all, before they embark on their long winter slumber.
And one more thing (or two)
To aid in your yard cleanup: For the past seven holiday seasons, I have solicited garden gift ideas from readers. I usually contribute a couple myself. Well, I have a suggestion that can’t wait; holding off would be a dereliction of duty, since this tool could save you time and backache.
It’s the Garden Weasel pickup tool.
For many years, my nemesis has been a couple of sweet gum trees. Each year, they rain down spiky gumballs onto my back yard. Keeping them picked up is a year-round, tedious job.
This summer, a friend demonstrated a similar, but larger, device he uses for picking-up pine cones. It worked. Later I stumbled upon the Garden Weasel at a local retailer and gave it a try. Call it a grand slam. This gizmo consists of a long handle with, at the end, a round, rolling wire cage. As you push, it picks up the gumballs.
The Garden Weasel for gumball-size objects is about $60, well worth the money.
Doing diligence: I recently wrote about the fall planting of trees and shrubs. Here’s a reminder not to keep them out of sight and out of mind: They may be short on water. According to the National Weather Service, rainfall for the season to date — Sept. 1 through Oct. 31 — is 5.1 inches below normal, the 10th driest on record. Keep a check on your plantings and their water needs.
How’s your garden and landscape experience been this season? Trying something different or new? What worked, or didn’t? Any surprises? And please add your tried and proven holiday gardening gift ideas so we can help readers with their shopping. Write in and let us know.
Send questions to wkspen@gmail.com