To leave or not to leave?: Managing leaf litter for turf and landscape
What is leaf litter?
Leaf litter is the buildup of fallen leaves from deciduous trees, usually occurring in the fall. This naturally creates a mulched layer under trees and serves to protect frost sensitive plants during their dormancy. It also serves as habitat for many organisms, such as millipedes, firefly larvae, and earthworms. Many organisms also overwinter in leaf litter during winter hibernation.
Mixed species fall leaves
When should leaf litter be removed?
Fallen leaves can take a significant length of time to break down. Although beneficial for other types of plants, leaf litter should not be allowed to remain on turf areas for long periods of time. This is due to several potential issues:
Cool season turf such as tall fescue and bluegrass can be shaded when breaking dormancy
Dead leaves can form thick mats after rain, suffocating turf below and hindering its growth
Mats of dead leaves can promote winter diseases
Leaf mulch in a bed
When should leaf litter be left alone?
While turf areas should be managed more carefully, woody ornamentals and perennial areas will receive benefits of keeping the leaves around. As previously mentioned, it serves as a natural form of mulch, which has several benefits:
Prevention of winter weeds in landscape beds
Allows moisture to be retained in the soil during dry conditions
Provides insulation and protection to frost tender plants such as Dahlia, Peonies, and Canna lilies
Provides tannic acids, which improve soil structure of clays
As they break down, they supply organic matter and nutrients
Leaf litter providing frost protection
Can I get the benefits of leaf litter for my turf?
Fortunately, turfgrass can also benefit from leaf litter so long as it is managed correctly. Shredding the leaves by mowing them in the fall is a great way to prevent the mats from forming, and allowing the smaller sized leaf debris to fall below the turf. Another great way to use leaf litter is to make your own compost, and supply it to your turfgrass and landscape beds as needed. They can provide significant bulk each season, and will become rich organic matter if tended to regularly.
Fully composted leaves
