FEED YOUR SOIL WITH EASE

By Linda Wilson and Paula Coley, Norfolk Master Gardeners

Forget the Rake and Leaf Blower!

As autumn’s leaves begin to cover our lawns, do your backs, your grass and the environment an enormous favor by rolling out your lawn mower on a weekly basis instead of your rake or leaf blower. Several university-based studies have demon- strated that the organic matter and nutrients mown into lawns have improved turf quality.

Michigan State researchers mowed the equivalent of 450 pounds of leaves into 1,000 square feet of a test plot with remark- able results. Improved soil, healthy lawns and few remnants of leaves remained in the spring.

Researchers advise achieving similar results on typical lawns by setting mowers at a height of at least 3 inches, and mowing at least weekly when the grass height reaches 4 inches. Leaves were found to shred most efficiently when slightly damp. Early morning when dew is present is the optimal time.

Follow these simple guidelines and you may never have to rake a leaf off your lawn again, but you will be making a significant contribution to the health of your soil.

Leaves gather in abundance on sidewalks, curbs and overflow into storm drains. Left unattended, these pose a serious prob- lem for the ecosystem. They can flow into catch basins where they decompose, releasing excess nitrogen and phosphorus into waterways where they eventually contribute to algae blooms. These colonies can harm aquatic populations by lowering the available oxygen in the water. Clogged storm drains also encourage greater flooding than the city already experiences.

Collecting these leaves, especially the ones from storm drains, helps sends a signal to our neighbors that this is an essential community responsibility. Beyond that, you have collected free fertilizer that is surprisingly easy to convert from its present form to a precious soil enrichment. Here are some of the simple ways that leaves can be put to immediate good use:

Under trees or in shady spots where grass will not grow, rake fallen leaves. The decomposing leaves will eventually cre- ate conditions favorable for plant growth.

In shady spots that are planted, enrich the beds with an ample mulch of shredded leaves. Some gardeners report that heavily shaded perennials withstand a mulch of unshredded leaves.

Shredded leaf mulch can be added to all beds. The decomposition of oak and maple leaves over time has not altered the pH of the soil.

A 4’ X 4’ wire bin can hold a vast quantity of leaves when they are shredded and watered down. An occasional shovel of soil speeds up the decomposition process, as does a modest amount of balanced fertilizer. Composting occurs more slowly in winter, but this mixture will be ready for spring.

If space is not a problem, simply mound the shredded leaves and let nature take its course. Unshredded leaves, if left long enough, may deteriorate sufficiently to form leaf mold. (More about leaf mold in another article.)

Please observe safety precautions if using a gas-powered leaf blower. Protective earmuffs and safety goggles should be worn.

As all municipalities face fiscal shortfalls, the fate of recycling pro- grams is constantly called into question. The EPA estimates that yard waste--primarily leaves and grass clippings--is second only to paper in the municipal solid waste stream. Our grass clippings should be staying on our lawns. There is no evidence to support the belief that they contribute to thatch. We can make good use of the leaves that fall from our trees. As Master Gardeners, our stewardship begins at home.

Have a bountiful fall!