Leaves are even better if you shred them first. They get integrated into the soil better.

Shredding works for many people. I have far too many to shred and have used them as is for many years. The earthworms help break them down with time. But the point of putting them on is as a weed block so I don't want them to break down faster. I need them to last until the following fall.

Good to know Reid & Rita!

Gotcha Newyorkita. Yes, it would work better for a weed block. I may have to use those in addition to my shredded amendments.

I like to shred my leaves, too, because then they stay put instead of blowing around with every bit of wind. I just dump them into an old garbage pail and use my weed whacker to shred them.

There are no curbs up here in the mountains, so I go out to a friend's property to collect leaves. Most of those are already partially decayed and don't need much shredding. However, one this year's leaves start to fall, shredding is a must if I want to keep the leaves in place. Of course, I could do more work and collect wood chips from the utility chipping pile to put on top of the fresher leaves, but it's faster to just shred them and put them down.

Smiles,
Lyn

For dry leaves I just mow with the chute pointed at my beds. Some shred a bit and some won't, but it's quick and easy and I get some green and some brown already mixed together.

Soggy leaves and any extras over and above what the beds will take without burying all of my crowns get raked into a pile and covered with a tarp. Those I'll use later, as necessary.

With only 450 sq ft of lawn, I don't own a mower , but I know I would do the same thing you do, Chelle. It's efficient and there's enough work in the garden without making it harder.

Smiles,
Lyn

My "kingdom" for a shredder. Magnolia and holly leaves take forever to break down. The top of my driveway is a sand pit, so I rake and fill in the ruts with leaves. Definately helps big time with tracton(SP?). I just hate getting stuck in my own driveway In places where I don't rake I'm actually getting "dirt"

@gingin



It's always something ...

As I am working in an older body, I sure am getting tired of hauling bags of leaves I've collected for mulch. It was easier 10 years ago.

Smiles,
Lyn

shoot I'd be happy for 5 years ago