Jody Sangder, Grounds Maintenance Manager, recently gave a presentation to the Green Team on the benefits of using leaves as a mulch on planting beds.  This was new information for many of us who have been long-time gardeners. She shared with the group important reasons why this environmentally positive method is being used:

• Leaves are nature’s gift for gardens; they add nutrition to the soil in the form of calcium, magnesium, potassium and other essential minerals.  As they decompose, they add organic matter to the soil, nourishing what’s planted.
• They help in reducing weed production by keeping the light out, which prevents weeds from sprouting, thus reducing the use of herbicides, making our grounds more environmentally safe.
• Leaves help retain moisture, keep soil temperatures stable and reduce evaporation, all of which benefit the vegetation and habitat in the garden.
• They create a home for nematodes (a major component of soil and sediment ecosystems), as well as creating nesting sites for little critters such as frogs, rabbits and salamanders.
• Leaf mulch minimizes soil erosion and creates more natural-looking beds while protecting potentially exposed roots which compromise plant health.
• Instead of removing the leaves in the Fall, then applying mulch when needed in the Spring, resources may be applied elsewhere.
• Leaving the mulch to decompose in the beds will reduce how often the blowers will be used during Fall season.
• Many of our shrub and tree species (rhodies, azaleas, maples, etc.) prefer acidic soil which the leaves assist in creating as they break down.

Last Fall, the grounds worker brought me 2 large garbage cans of chopped up leaves so I could place them on my front planting bed.  They are decomposing and there is a definite reduction of sprouting weeds.

Grounds Dept. has purchased Blower Vacuums for mulching in addition to other leaf mulching tools for this season which will minimize leaf clutter blowing outside the beds; they’ll decompose much quicker without blowing back onto the grass and hardscape.

Here’s what Sally Vogel, Green Team member, says: “Kudos to Jody Sangder for letting the fall leaves lie.  The dirt under them is actually becoming soil.  I have found all sorts beneficial organisms underneath that are eating and decomposing the leaves.  Nature knows what to do if we let it!”

–Peggy Jamerson

Reprinted from August 2022 Panorama News