STILLWATER — By Trisha Gedon
Special to the Sun
STILLWATER — There is a noticeable chill in the crisp morning air. In many parts of the state, the leaves are starting to change color and giving the landscape a beautiful new look.
Unfortunately, once those beautiful colored leaves fall, something needs to be done with them, said David Hillock, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension consumer horticulture specialist.
“On the positive side, tree leaves are an excellent source of organic matter and nutrients for your landscape,” Hillock said. “Your first thought may be to simply rake and bag them, but this option causes homeowners and gardeners to miss out on a valuable garden resource. By using the leaves in your landscape, you also save valuable landfill space. As an added bonus, the leaves are free.”
One way to use the leaves is to shred them and use them in a compost pile. Leaves can take a few months or up to a couple of years to compost by themselves. To speed up the process and have a good finished product, add nitrogen sources such as green plant material or fertilizer, make sure there is enough moisture, and turn the leaves often to ensure a good supply of oxygen.
Hillock said the leaves also can be used as mulch for shrubs and trees. A layer of three to six inches is sufficient.
“Homeowners also can till the leaves into a vacant vegetable garden plot to improve aeration and drainage,” he said. “Doing this in the fall will allow sufficient time for the leaves to decompose before it’s time to plant that spring garden.”
For those who may not have the time to rake leaves, mowing them works well, too. Simply attach the bagging unit to the mower to collect the shredded leaves. The chopped leaves are then ready to use as mulch or be put into a composting bin.
Even if homeowners do not have a garden and have no need to use the leaves as mulch, they can still be a valuable resource.
“Put your lawn mower on the mulching setting and mow normally,” Hillock said. “The chopped leaves are returned to the soil and provide important organic matter and nutrients.”
Make sure the leaves are dry before attempting any type of shredding or mowing. Damp leaves can clog gardening tools such as shredders, vacuums or choppers.
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