Will it help or hinder?
2007-10-24 01:38:25 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
yes you can and its good protection for the winter and they will break down into compost and then soil over time
2007-10-24 01:41:52 · answer #1 · answered by Linda S 6 · 3⤊ 1⤋
ah, not so. It depends on what kinds of leaves you have. Some leaves, such as oak, break down and change the pH level of the soil which in turn can damage the plants you intend to protect. You'd not want the leaves to turn to an acidic base and ruin the beds you intend to protect. A simple check of the pH breakdowns of the types of leaves you have will give you the answers you need.
2007-10-24 08:51:01 · answer #2 · answered by mmpaints 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I use my fallen leaves as a winter mulch every year and what doesn't get used gets mowed over to provide nourishment for my lawn. Leaves are an excellent mulch and will break down over winter into the soil adding nutrients. Even if it doesn't all break down you can turn the remainder of the leaves into the soil come spring. The organic matter will amend the soil and give it a finer texture over time. If I need extra leaves, I've even been known to ask my neighbors for theirs or collect the bagged leaves from the sides of roads.
Good Luck
2007-10-24 08:59:00 · answer #3 · answered by Sptfyr 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
yes, they will break down and nurish the soil. That's how soil builds up in nature. it will also reduce the water loss from the soil thru evaporation. as well as it will insulate the soil in winter.
But make sure the leaves are not diseased (mildew or spots etc.).
Also if the leaves are grass clippings, then try to spread them on your lawn for a day to dry them a bit. Otherwise they will form a barrier and water will not go to the roots of your flowers.
2007-10-24 08:54:23 · answer #4 · answered by sugar 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Oak leafs are acid, maple are more alkaline. Depending on your plants needs dictates the type of leafs you should use. Don't put whole leafs on flower beds they can pack together an smother plants in spring. Leafs can be put down in the fall and taken up in the spring if you only want winter protection
2007-10-24 09:03:04 · answer #5 · answered by James 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, the best thing for anyone to do! For ALL gardens, and good for around trees and shrubs too. Keeps the earth a more even, constant temperature for perennial roots where winters are in deep freeze and even better to collect grass clippings and just keep layering with the leaves in around base of trees and shrubs. For any climate, when these things break-down in time (decompose) you have the best natural fertilizer on earth! And it's free!!!
2007-10-24 09:15:17 · answer #6 · answered by organic&green 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
if you have enough leaves it will actually fertilize your flower bed dead leaves will decompose to give you the necessary ingredients you need to have a beautiful flower bed the decomposion will actually help your flower bed to grow
2007-10-27 23:29:53 · answer #7 · answered by rannbabyduck 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋