Cindi ...
I primarily use shredded oak leaves for my mulch both in fall and spring in my home garden. I always put down shredded leaves in fall and the rain and snow contribute to the decomposition. They are gone by spring.
I think you might want to do some research about how much water a mature oak tree uses in your area each day. My research of the California white and black oaks in our area showed that the trees use 70gals of water a day. They are incredible competitors for both nutrients and water and will also send roots up into raised beds.
I did the research because I cannot have a vegetable garden on my own property, but have had one on a friends. Most of her property is an oak forest with a few open spaces. My yield was quite poor until I did the research on the trees and made some adjustments. I still don't get sufficient yield to satisfy me for the amount of time and work involved in maintaining that garden. I am thinking of abandoning that gardening effort.
Smiles,
Lyn
