I've been told that leaves require shredding prior to being applied on the garden as a mulch.?

Question

What is the purpose in shredding leaves first?

Answer 1

You definately want the decomposition process to kick in quicker because the fungus that grows on the mulched leaves is high in nitrogen which is good for the leaves to be a healthy green. When left whole, the tannin in them tends to leach out slowly which is bad for the roots. When they are mulched, it leaks out faster and washes away.

Answer 2

not only does shredding/mowing them help them decompose faster it helps keep them from blowing away...shredded/chopped up leaves are less likely to blow away then whole leaves

Answer 3

It will probably help the leaves decompose faster, and look neater.