What’s the worst thing about your garden as summer turns to autumn? That’s right, the dead leaves that fall from trees in and around your outdoor space! They cover your lawn, get wet and soggy and stick to the patio you’ve just lovingly jet washed. It’s very tempting to grab the leaf blower or rake out of the garden shed, pile them all up, throw them in a plastic bag and take them to your local green waste centre.

However, you’re actually depriving your garden of something that could be very useful. Trees are clever plants and there isn’t one thing they do without a reason (other than suddenly die, but that’s another story). When they shed their leaves it’s actually a defence mechanism. In winter, trees need to keep as many nutrients as possible stored so they can bud in spring. This also serves as a food source for the trunk and branches during the colder months.

So, what can you do about those pesky leaves? See Below!

Dried Leaves and Your Lawn

Notice the word “dried” used in the sub-heading. Wet leaves can actually cause a good deal of damage to grass. If the roots become too soggy, they will start to rot and that can only mean one thing – dead grass! But, if you’re willing to pile them all up and dry them out, you can use dead leaves to feed your lawn during winter. Trees don’t take all the nutrients from leaves before they shed them. In fact, they are chock full of all the minerals and nutrients grass needs when it’s dormant.

How to Use Dried Leaves on Your Lawn

Once you’ve managed to dry all the leaves out or you’ve piled them up before they get wet, you need to break them up into tiny bits. This isn’t the most glamorous of garden jobs, but it’s a great way to get the kids outdoors and doing something they love, getting messy! When all the leaves are broken up, sprinkle them across your lawn (but not too much). Eventually, they will soak into the soil beneath your lawn and feed the roots of your grass.

Dried Leaves and Your Flowerbeds

Yet another great way to make use of dried leaves is to place a thick layer over the bare soil in your flowerbeds. This does two things. First, the layer will stop potential weeds from being able to make use of light and they won’t be able to grow. Second, as with grass, the plants you have in your flowerbeds will suck all the nutrients out of the leaves which will make their roots stronger. It will also act as a sort of blanket to keep the roots warm on those cold and frosty nights.

In Conclusion

This is a totally green way of making sure that weeds don’t take hold of your flowerbeds when spring arrives. It will help your grass and plants stay well fed without the need for chemicals which is good for the local wildlife as well as your pets or children.

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Tracey Smith is a Mum of two young children and three dogs. She loves all things natural and spends her spare time blogging about handy garden tips that help the environment such as how best to use a fire pit and that save money, such as where to to find Alfresia garden chair cushions for sale.