Leaves --What can you do?

Mow them

Leaves are rich in carbon, phosphorus, and potassium; essential nutrients for plant health. Mow your leaves along with the grass during fall and leave the rest to nature!

Mowing tips

• Leave your mower set to the same height you use to mow your lawn

• Use a rotary mower that chips the leaves

• Mow when the leaves are dry

• Make sure that mower blades are sharp and use a slow movement with the mower to help chip the leaves finer

• You may need 2-3 passes with the mower to chip leaves fine enough. Leaves must be small enough to fall through the turf and expose grass to sunlight.

• Chipped leaves should settle into the turf in a day or two, especially with rain

• It is best to mow leaves often, not letting them lie more than 3-4 days

Compost them

Composting is a natural process that you can manage at home. Composting can help manage leaves, grass clippings, and other lawn and garden waste.

Use them for mulch

The benefits of mulches are moisture and temperature moderation and erosion prevention. You can use grass clippings, leaves, and chipped or shredded brush as organic mulches. you should applied 3 inches deep over the soil and around plants to achieve the benefits of mulching.

Disposal

Local opportunities for curbside pick-up or drop-off sites differ by municipality. Contact your municipality for details.