As the leaves start to change color and fall from the trees, you may be wondering what to do with all of them. Here are 7 ways to use those leaves!

What To Do with Fall Leaves

Compost piles

Composting is a great way to reduce your impact on the environment and to create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. Simply collect your shredded leaves in a bin or bag, and add them to your compost pile along with other organic matter such as fruit and veggie scraps, coffee grounds, and eggshells.

Leaf mold

Leaf mold is rich in nutrients and helps retain moisture in the soil, making it a great amendment for gardens. To make leaf mold, simply collect leaves in a bin or bag and allow them to decompose for about 6 months. Once they’ve broken down, you can add them to your garden beds or use them as mulch around your plants.

Mulch

Mulch helps protect plants from extreme temperatures, keeps weeds at bay, and helps the soil retain moisture. You can make your own mulch by running leaves through a mulching attachment on a lawn mower or by chopping them up with a lawnmower set on its highest setting. Spread a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around your plants and reapply as needed throughout the season.
Tree insulation – Did you know that trees need insulation just like our homes do? Trees rely on their leaves to insulate them from extreme temperatures and prevent moisture loss. When you rake up leaves and dispose of them in plastic bags, you’re actually depriving trees of this important resource. Instead of bagging up leaves, leave them on the ground around trees (but not directly against the tree trunk) to help insulate roots and prevent moisture loss over winter.

Lawn fertilizer

Give your lawn a boost by using fallen leaves as fertilizer! Leaves are rich in nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus—all essential nutrients for healthy grass growth. Collect leaves in plastic bags or run them over with a lawnmower set on its highest setting to chop them up into smaller pieces. Spread a thin layer of leaves over your lawn (you don’t want to suffocate the grass) and water well. Then let nature do its thing; as the leaves break down, they’ll release essential nutrients into the soil that will give your lawn a boost next spring.

Fall decorations

From leaf rubbings to garlands made of colorful fall foliage, there are endless ways to incorporate fallen leaves into your décor this season! Get creative and see what beautiful creations you can come up with using items found right in your own backyard.

Soil amendment

If you have excess leaves that you don’t have a use for right away, collect them in plastic bags and store them in a cool, dry place until spring when you can use them as a soil amendment for your garden beds. Simply work the chopped-up leaves into the top few inches of soil before planting next spring for an extra dose of nutrients that will benefit your plants all season long.

Conclusion:

Whether you want to compost them, use them as mulch or fertilizer, or incorporate them into your décor, there are many ways to put those falling leaves to good use! So get out there and rake up some fun this autumn!