Rather than simply discarding these pretty leaves, use them as mulch for your garden to improve the soil quality. As organic matter, they are extremely beneficial to soil and allow for better overall water and air movement, the University of Minnesota explains.
Plus, the best part about using dead undergrowth as mulch is that it’s absolutely free. You can distribute it in two ways: using a mulching mower or chopping up the leaves with a chipper or shredder. Regardless of the method, make sure they’re in small pieces before adding them to the soil.
Using leaves as mulch also reduces the need for fertilizing and enhances the soil’s fertility and organic content, says Gardening Know How. Not to mention, it prevents weeds from growing, so you don’t have to use harmful chemicals to keep them away. As the leaves decompose, you’ll need to add more to replace them for mulching purposes.
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