Fall Leaf Management Tips from a Certified Arborist
Fall brings important responsibilities for homeowners to ensure your yard remains healthy and beautiful: raking and managing fallen leaves. While leaves offer valuable nutrients and a habitat for wildlife, they can also become a breeding ground for pests, diseases, and potential hazards. This article will explore the benefits and risks of leaving fallen leaves on your lawn and share practical management tips.
Benefits of Leaving the Leaves
Leaving fallen leaves on your lawn can benefit your yard in several ways. As leaves decompose, they enrich the soil with essential nutrients, acting as a natural fertilizer. Additionally, they help retain ground moisture, which is especially valuable during dry spells. Fallen leaves create a natural habitat for beneficial pollinators and wildlife, fostering a healthy ecosystem in your yard. Also, using leaves as a cost-effective alternative to mulch can boost your garden’s overall health.
Risks of Leaving the Leaves
While fallen leaves offer benefits, they can pose risks if not managed correctly. Leaves can become a breeding ground for various diseases, such as leaf spot, anthracnose, powdery mildew, tar spot, cedar apple rust, and cedar hawthorn rust. These diseases can cause yellowing and premature falling of leaves, affecting the overall health of your trees and plants. Leaves can also create a slippery surface, posing a hazard for walking and smothering the grass, hindering sunlight and air, and leading to dead patches in your lawn.
Tips for Preventing Tree Diseases
• Rake and Dispose: Collect and dispose of diseased fallen leaves to reduce the risk of disease spread. Avoid composting them; instead, dispose of them properly.
• Prune Dead or Diseased Branches: Trim dead or diseased branches at the proper time to eliminate potential hiding spots for fungal spores and pathogens, reducing the risk of disease spread.
• Proper Watering: Ensure trees are well-hydrated, making them more disease-resistant. Water them regularly, particularly during hot, dry months.
• Fertilize Judiciously: Fertilize trees to maintain their health. Use a slow release fertilizer that feeds the trees over a long period of time Be cautious not to over-fertilize, as this can make trees more susceptible to diseases. Have an arborist take soil samples to analyze and determine the actual nutrient needs for the trees so that that they receive the correct fertilizer mix.
• Regular Inspection: Regularly inspect trees for signs of disease. If you detect any symptoms, seek advice from a certified arborist.
Best Practices for Managing Fallen Leaves
Managing fallen leaves becomes a matter of balance if your trees are healthy. For a smaller amount of leaves, mulch them with your lawnmower and leave them on your lawn. For a larger volume, rake them up and repurpose them in garden beds or mulch rings under trees. A proactive approach to leaf management ensures a vibrant and flourishing yard throughout the autumn season.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rick Close is a regional business developer and International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist® at The Davey Tree Expert Company. Contact Rick by email by clicking here.
Established in 1880 and headquartered in Kent, Ohio, The Davey Tree Expert Company provides research-driven tree services, grounds maintenance and environmental consulting for residential, utility, commercial and environmental partners in the U.S. and Canada. Davey Tree is the eighth largest employee-owned company in the U.S. with over 11,000 employees. Become part of the Davey legacy and apply today. Learn more about Davey and find a local office by clicking here.
