I use fall leaves for mulch everywhere. Just don't let it get real close to the base of the tree as it can add to rot to the bark and also allow critters cover to chew on the bark, both not good to the tree. Soil that has an odor to it because of it being to wet can be dried out and re-used. I would use it mixed with some fresh to give it a new life. If you use the half barrel again make sure to drill lots of drainage in it. Sandy

As you noticed toward the bottom of your pile of leaves they are wet, because? Whole leaves can pack down and can slow the flow of water to the soil, but anywhere that I have seen whole leaves piled on soil that soil, under the leaves, has been very moist. Whole leaves, depending on the tree species, can be difficult for the soil bacteria to digest, Oak leaves and Pine needles being the worst while Maples (Acer species) are very easy, If the purpose of a mulch is to aid in retaining soil moisture why would whole leaves be any worse for that purpose than shredded leaves, which the soil bacteria find very delectable and digest very quickly (at least in my garden) so that by the middle of August when I really need that mulch they have pretty well digested it. I would put the whole leaves down and not worry about it.

Egganddart49, We both are using almost the same kind of leaves, thus we have a great example of what the leaves are doing and how different zones interact with basically the same kind of leaves. To me, gardening is about "point of view", how you look at it if you will. When I look at what you are saying this is what I see: Your zone is cooler than mine, thus you will have slower decomposition in your garden. The leaves you put down in the winter sat there due to low temperatures. What the leaves did is act like a security blanket for your garden. When rain or snow piled up on the leaves the water seeped through, not flowed. As the water seeped in it took some of the nutrients from the leaves into the soil with it. Because of the limiting effect of the leaves you suffered less leaching in your soil, this causes you to need less amendments for your plants. As well, you added nutrients from the leaves all winter long, this is a very good thing. When spring came you had to move those pesky leaves out the way, but what did you find underneath? You discovered soft tender soil, moist and happy that you are the owner of the garden. They proved their gratitude by giving you a good crop, and paid you back by making sure you did less work in the process. Shoot, if you stopped concerning yourself with how many leaves are still there and focus on what you want to better improve next years crop who knows what you will end up with. Now ole Blutranes on the other hand lives where it is mild in the winter. His mulch gets chomped on by the microbes the minute it gets warm enough outside. By spring most of his leaves are gone, but his soil is ready to go too. Blutranes enjoys the same benefit you enjoy, water seeps into his soil too; he gets those minerals from his leaves as well. Blutranes can plant earlier, but Egganddart can still grows just as good as Blutranes can in less time. They both are given extra time for other things due to some leaves they put on their gardens. Blutranes is sitting at his computer looking for more wisdom from others to use that extra time on. Egganddart can now make a decision what Egganddart wants to pull outta Eggs' hat next. Work in the garden is good, less work even better IMO. I conclude that you have discovered a way to do more with less and save some money, and get a mater or two out the deal. Sounds like a plan over here Blutranes

You've got one brilliant Hazel there! Very nice indeed. Fall is one season I don't get much out of, garden-wise. I don't have room for any nice big shrubs or trees, and most of my perennials don't have much fall colour. Oh well, you can't have everything you want! BP