Leave The Leaf

Leave the Leaf

As the fall leaves cover the ground many will have to make the decision on how to deal with all the extra tree fodder. Instead of bagging all your leaves and discarding, have you ever thought of just mulching them into your existing lawn? It can be a great addition to yearly care and fertilization of your yard. Leaves provide a wealth of benefits for the forests in nature, and they can do the same for your own yard. Dr. Aaron Workman, a top chiropractor at one of the highest rated car accident medical care establishments in Kentucky, discusses leaf mulch and why it may be better to leave it instead of bagging it.

1. Natural Fertilizer: Leaves are packed with essential nutrients that can benefit your soil. You can collect your leaves and mulch over them with a mower or designated mulcher. That big pile of cut up leaves will decompose over the season and put nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium back into the ground. You do not have to worry about “too much” when it comes to natural decomposing leaves as they are going to act as natural fertilizer. They boost the soil and help with healthy plant growth. It can improve the soil composition and texture. This will in turn reduce the need for a chemical fertilizer and make for a more sustainable yard routine you can do every year with no extra cost.
2. Moisture Retention: A layer of leaf mulch acts as a natural cover for your soil, helping to keep moisture where you need it most. This will help during long bouts of dry weather. The mulch reduces water evaporation from the surface, ensuring that plants have a steady supply of moisture. This not only helps your garden thrive but also cuts down on the frequency of watering. Less watering is also a great way to reduce cost and energy required to maintain plants or a garden.
3. Slowing Weed Growth: Weeds can quickly take over just about any part of your landscape, eventually competing for the nutrients, water, and light. A good thick layer of leaf mulch will create a great weed barrier that will not only prevent weeds but also aid in getting nutrients back to the soil as it breaks down. You can place this along fence lines or different areas of your garden during winter season in preparation for the next growing season. It will not stop all the weeds, but it will reduce them enough to make it a viable option for weed prevention. Having fewer weeds allows you more time to enjoy your yard and garden without the extra work.
4. Supports Beneficial Organisms: As leaf mulch decomposes, it becomes a habitat for beneficial organisms like earthworms and microbes. These organisms will work to break down all types of organic items leading to better soil composition that will eventually make it easier to grow whatever you want in that area.
5. Reduces Waste: Reducing your own waste is one of the best aspects of recycling your own leaves. There are no extra bags or containers that must be picked up and transported to another facility. It is great for the environment while enriching your own land at little to no extra cost for yourself.

Mulching your own leaves is a simple, cheap solution to enhance your yards health and well-being along with its appearance. It is a natural fertilizer that can help conserve water all the while keeping weeds at bay in the areas you may typically use chemicals for the same result. By utilizing them on your own property you can create a rich, microbial diverse soil that will benefit the value of your yard and garden for years to come.

— This article is written by Aaron Workman, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Kentucky.

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