skip to main content

Soil, Compost & Mulch

Using mulched leaves after I've put down wood mulch

14 years ago

I started the thread "what do I do with all these leaves" and got some great suggestions. I ended up buying an (almost) industrial size blower/mulcher and have managed to make a dent in leaf removal.

So, now that I have this mulcher I am on to the next problem. I really want to use whatever portion of these leaves I can in my gardens. However, about 2 years ago I started putting down decorative mulch. (It's dark brown, not the orange stuff). So, how do I go about mulching with leaves? Do I have to rake all the decorative mulch off, apply the leaf mulch and they reapply the decorative stuff? That would be difficult considering the size and number of gardens. I actually do like a natural look and would be satisfied with the look of the leaves (atleast in the gardens behind my house, in the front I like it a little more formal) but it seems that it would be a never ending project because they break down so easily.

Also, I notice that when I rake back a little of the dec mulch that there is some "mold" there. Does that mean it's doing something helpful for the soil? I'm assuming its chemically treated with something to still look decent.

Thanks for any advice.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

Kimmsr
14 years ago
The only reason you might remove that "decorative" wood chip mulch would be if you wanted to. I think shredded leaves are a good looking material to use, but over all a mulch should recede into the background and really not be seen which is what shredded leaves do.
Nothing looks worse, to mine eyes, then a 4 x 4 bed with 1 plant in the middle and surrounded with that ugly bright red dyed waste wood mulch. That offends, greatly.
annpat
14 years ago
If it were me, I'd rake the "decorative" mulch off and apply the leaves. Your decorative mulch takes a long time to break down and nourish your soil. Your leaves will start to break down in six months or less. Why not use the wood stuff out front, since you like the look there, and use the leaves behind the house where you can start building rich soil?

You're going to love the look of a leaf-mulched garden. Congratulations on your score.
Related Discussions
Cheap mulch ideas - I've already spent a fortune!
Q
Comments (32)
Any kind of organic material that's not visually offensive and of an acceptable size/texture can be used as mulch. I quit buying mulch many years ago, and instead put leaves, yard trimmings, pine needles, coffee grounds, grass from mower bag, whatever presents itself, when it presents itself. Green grass turns brown and mulch-y looking in a couple days, and the mixture of materials provides a wider range of nutrients for plants and the microbes that decompose materials into a form plants can use. More frequent additions of fresh materials keep the soil food chain alive. Here is a link that might be useful: Brief but extemely informative lecture about soil microbiology
...See More
Curious - What Height setting to you use to mulch leaves
Q
Comments (3)
Ken, 2.5" should be fine . My zone is about the same as you. I have been mulching since early Sept. but will have to start picking them up because they get far too deep to leave on the grass. I'll use my Troybilt vac to pick them up and compost them for future use. I agree with you on backing over the leaves. I've found that whether mulching or bagging, the mower does a better job going backwards. My mower(LB10323) has the factory blade which seems to do a good job. I like to give the lawn a low mow at about 2" after all the leaves are down. It makes the lawn look neat for the winter.
...See More
watering after putting on newspaper mulch??
Q
Comments (8)
Here in Florida's sandy soil, I fill a tub with water, add the newspaper and while they're soaking, water the 'soil'. I lay down the soaked newspaper by the section so seldom have a problem with the paper tearing. It's easy to tear numerous (wet) sheets at one time when you must work around a plant or post. If the paper has begun to dry by the time I've finished an area, I water again before putting down the mulch then water the mulch. I've found that by keeping the materials damp, the rain or irrigation water will wick down to the soil without first being sucked up by dry newspaper. BTW, I've also used cardboard and found it does last a little longer than the newspaper. cora
...See More
Okay to use dry leaves as mulch?
Q
Comments (10)
We chipped & bagged our leaves last fall & used them in the spring as mulch. They broke down well, but never blew away. I did what someone here suggested; after chipping them, we put them into large, black Hefty bags & poked drain holes in the bags. The pots with all the perennials were put under the deck & we used the bags to insulate them over the winter. Every few weeks we'd go outside & "fluff up" and turn the bags over. In the spring, we opened the bags & spread them as mulch. At this point in early fall, they have broken down to a less cushy mat but they are still there. One tip I have: make the poke holes fairly large and don't overstuff the bags.
...See More
the_virginian
14 years ago
I would not bother raking ANY wood mulch up, not only is it a waste of effort, you would waste some organic matter that is already benefitial to your beds. Putting shredded leaves over the wood mulch will only help it breakdown faster and naturally. Seriously, don't waste your time raking the old mulch out of your beds as it is a huge waste.
kelp
14 years ago
I agree with The Virginian. I'm trying to replace some of my lawn with shrubs and flowers, so whenever I need a new area cleared, I lay down cardboard, then whatever organic material I can get my hands on. One of my neighbors gives me his grass clippings, so that usually goes on first. Last fall, I collected 30 bags of leaves one afternoon, and shredded that, then laid it down over the grass clippings. I've been having a ball all spring, watching various kinds of birds pick through it, looking for bugs. Besides eliminating the need to cut off the sod, by the time I plant an area, the top few inches is actual soil. (Under that, unfortunately, is pure, heavy, clay.) Shredded leaves, raked out evenly, look just as nice as mulch, IMHO.
annpat
14 years ago
Shredded leaves, raked out evenly is mulch. You're putting a fast breaking-down, nourishing mulch on top of a slow breaking-down mulch. It's not the end of the world, but wood mulches just sit around for years before they break down and do any soil feeding. Leaves break down relatively quickly. I add mulching materials year round and I like to use ones that will quickly break down and feed the soil.

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES How to Pick a Mulch — and Why Your Soil Wants It

By Jocelyn H. Chilvers

There's more to topdressing than shredded wood. Learn about mulch types, costs and design considerations here

GARDENING GUIDES The Art of Green Mulch

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

You can design a natural garden that doesn’t rely on covering your soil with wood and bark mulch

GARDENING GUIDES New Ways to Think About All That Mulch in the Garden

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Before you go making a mountain out of a mulch hill, learn the facts about what your plants and soil really want

FALL GARDENING 5 Ways to Put Fall Leaves to Work in Your Garden

By Therese Ciesinski

Improve your soil and yard the organic way with a valuable garden booster that grows on trees

FEEL-GOOD HOME 12 Very Useful Things I've Learned From Designers

By Becky Harris

These simple ideas can make life at home more efficient and enjoyable

BATHROOM MAKEOVERS Wasted Space Put to Better Use in a Large Contemporary Bath

By Becky Harris

Bad remodels had managed to leave this couple cramped in an expansive bath. A redesign gave the room a luxe hotel feel

GARDENING GUIDES 6 Healthy Ways to Handle Fallen Leaves

By Jocelyn H. Chilvers

Once nature's beautiful bounty is spent, these ecofriendly strategies for leaves will put your yard in the clear

DECORATING GUIDES The Dumbest Decorating Decisions I’ve Ever Made

Caution: Do not try these at home

LIFE You Said It: ‘I’m Never Leaving’ and More Houzz Quotables

By Becky Harris

Design advice, inspiration and observations that struck a chord this week

CONTAINER GARDENS Patio-Perfect Berry Bushes Like You’ve Never Seen

Small enough for pots but offering abundant fruit, these remarkable bred berries are a boon for gardeners short on space

Sponsored

Schlabach Woodworks

16 Reviews

Franklin County's Reclaimed Wood Professionals

More Discussions

Using Pebbles as a Mulch in Succulent Garden

1

Best soil testing labs? HU-747575776...........

0

It's so awkward to bring this up, apropos of nothing,

16

Question About Wood Chip Mulch

7

Worms in compact clay soil

1