Before the Leaves Go to the Curb: Mulch, Compost and Winter Shelter

EASTON, MARYLAND — Before raking every leaf to the curb this fall, Talbot gardeners have a few better uses for some of them, according to University of Maryland Extension.

Leaves make excellent mulch, especially when shredded, Extension says. They break down quickly and improve the soil as they do. Apply a layer 2 to 3 inches deep, and keep mulch about 3 inches away from the base of tree trunks; it should never touch the trunk.

Leaves that fall on the lawn can be moved whole to another part of the yard or into a compost bin. Whole leaves are best for wildlife, but on a lawn they can be shredded with a mulching mower to speed up decomposition and feed the soil.

For a compost pile made up mostly of fall leaves, Extension says to turn it in mid-November, before freezing, and not to turn it in winter, which lets too much heat escape and slows decomposition.

Leaving some leaves in place also helps the garden's allies. Extension's November tips say leaf litter helps insulate native ground-nesting bees, such as Colletes species, that spend the cold months underground, and suggest leaving the leaves in all or part of a yard, especially where those bees have been seen. Some syrphid fly larvae, which feed on soft-bodied pests, seek shelter in leaf litter for the winter, and polyphemus moth cocoons sometimes drop into the leaves below.

One caution for pond owners: remove leaves that fall into uncovered ponds. Decomposing leaves give off gases that can sicken or kill fish when trapped under ice. Mesh, netting or screening over the pond keeps more leaves from falling in.

Easton residents who still have leaves to spare can put them at the curb: the town's leaf collection season begins Oct. 19, and Public Works crews will collect leaves placed properly along the curb through the fall and early winter, according to the Town of Easton.