The browns, yellows and reds of autumn leaves are certainly beautiful to look at, but when they fall to the ground, these leaves can create a lot of work for gardeners. So, what is the best approach when it comes to dealing with dead leaves in the autumn and winter? Keep reading to find out.
Can Autumn Leaves Left On The Lawn Kill Grass?
You’ve looked after your garden so far throughout the year, pruning plants at the appropriate times and perhaps even scarifying your lawn to make it extra lush and green. The last thing you want is for autumn leaves to spoil your efforts. With this in mind, you might be wondering if leaving this dead matter on your grass could kill your lawn.
The answer to this question is yes, but only in certain circumstances. In moderation, fallen leaves can in fact be good for lawns. They are packed with nutrients, and as they decompose, they release this goodness into the soil. However, too many leaves can do damage. A thick layer of dead leaves can trap moisture and encourage mould growth. It can also deprive your grass of sunlight and air, which could potentially kill or at least damage it.
What Should You Do With Dead Leaves In Autumn?
There are various things you can do with the leaves that fall on your garden in autumn. As outlined above, while they may seem like a hassle to deal with, these leaves are filled with important nutrients and can therefore be a useful resource.
One option is to gather them into piles using landscaping equipment such as a leaf blower or rake and then add them to your compost bin. For best results, make sure they are moist but not wet, mix them with green material such as food scraps or grass clippings, and turn them approximately once a month. This will help them to break down into a rich compost, which is perfect for using on your flower beds and lawn.
Alternatively, you could create leafmould, which can either be mixed into soil or added as a surface mulch to improve its quality. The easiest way to make this nutrient-rich resource is to collect leaves in a bin bag with holes pierced in the sides, loosely tying the top. The leaves should be moist, so add some water if required. You then simply leave these bags for a year to 18 months. During this time, the leaves will have broken down. If you want faster results, you can speed up the decomposition process by shredding the leaves with a mower before you gather and bag them.
Can You Put Autumn Leaves Directly On The Garden?
If you don’t want to go to the trouble of composting your leaves or turning them into leafmould, there is the option of putting them directly on your garden. This will also help to fertilise your soil. However, you have to be careful not to cause damage to your grass and other plants. For example, some plants don’t like being surrounded by leaf litter. This includes Mediterranean flora like lavenders, which can be damaged by the humidity caused by fallen leaves. Also be mindful of the fact that, as mentioned earlier, leaving a thick layer of leaves on grass can damage and potentially even kill it.
If you want to add leaves directly to your lawn or flower beds, it’s a good idea to shred them first using your lawn mower. This cuts the leaves into much smaller pieces, meaning they break down faster.
Can You Burn Leaves In Your Garden In Autumn?
If you don’t want to compost your leaves or let them decay in situ in your garden, you might decide to burn them, possibly alongside other garden waste from pruning and so on. There is no law preventing this in the UK, but you should take steps to be considerate and safe when burning garden waste. For example, you must make sure that the smoke you create doesn’t blow across a road and cause a hazard for drivers.
To minimise any inconvenience to neighbours, it’s typically best to have bonfires in the early morning or evening, when people are less likely to be out in their gardens. Also, try to make sure that the leaves are dry before you set fire to them. This will mean they burn more quickly and produce less smoke than if they are wet, ensuring you create less pollution.
For safety, set your bonfire in an open area away from overhanging trees, and keep your piles of leaves small and manageable. Always have a water source handy too just in case you need to extinguish the flames quickly.
Also, bear in mind that rather than burning, another option if you’re looking to dispose of unwanted leaves is to bag them up and take them to your local recycling centre. Just make sure they accept garden waste before you attempt this. You could also contact local garden centres and farms to see if they will take them.
Do Adders Still Appear In The Garden In Autumn?
There are a number of safety issues to be aware of when you’re gardening in the chillier months. For example, on cold days, you’ll need to keep an eye out for patches of ice that could cause a nasty fall. In terms of wildlife, there aren’t many animals in the UK that pose a danger, but the adder (the UK’s only native venomous snake) is an exception. So, do you need to look out for these reptiles when you’re raking leaves or tending to your plants in the autumn or winter?
Historically, adders have hibernated between around October and March. However, over recent years these snakes have been confirmed as being active every month of the year. It’s thought that global warming is behind the change in their behaviour. This is something to be aware of, especially if you’re dealing with piles of leaves where various animals may be hiding. You might want to wear wellies to protect your lower legs, just in case.
However, it’s worth noting that adder bites are extremely rare. These reptiles only attack if they feel threatened - and no one has died from an adder bite in Britain for over 40 years.
