As Massachusetts residents, we know how lucky we are to experience the beautiful autumn leaves that only a few can see! However, those beautiful fall trees bring densely fallen leaf blankets all across New England. So, what’s there to do? You could leave them untouched, but it can harm your lawn. You could also sweep and bag them all up, which takes time and effort. What if there was a third option? (Hint: of course, there is!). Mulching leaves is a highly recommended practice by agronomists and lawn experts for its incredible benefits.
Why Mulching Leaves Matters in Massachusetts
Leaves don’t discriminate. They’re bound to fly in your yard, cut through your neighbor’s land, and touch every inch of lawn you have. While they’re pretty in the trees, they’re not so friendly on the ground. Unmulched leaves can cause a host of lawn problems. Warm, damp leaves encourage molds to grow and rodents to inhabit the area. Too many leaves can even suffocate your grass, stopping it from getting enough sunlight and water.
Mulching is an easy way to manage all these leaves. Mulching is mowing over fallen leaves so they become cut into smaller pieces for easy decomposition. These small leaf pieces break down faster and blend with the soil, turning a potential problem into a nutrient-rich solution. In Massachusetts, where cool, rainy autumns are common, mulching your leaves can prevent soggy mats that harbor disease or create bare patches in spring.
Mulching 101: A Step-by-Step Guide for Massachusetts Lawns
- Mow the lawn first. While this is optional, it can make mulching the leaf layer more effective.
- Rake the leaves evenly across the yard. Before starting, spread leaf piles into an even and thin layer, ideally no more than a few inches thick. Too many leaves can clog the mower and leave giant clumps of mulch on the grass.
- Evenly mulch the area. Mow over the yard slowly to ensure the blades chop the leaves into fine pieces. It’s helpful to have sharpened or newly replaced grass blades for the best results.
- Disperse the mulch to landscaping beds. Once the area has been thoroughly mulched, place some mulch in a bucket and spread thick layers over landscape beds and at the base of perennial plants. Your plants will thank you in the spring!
How Mulching Leaves Benefits Lawns
Mulching offers several advantages for your lawn! Here are some of our favorite ways leaf mulch positively impacts lawns across MA.
- Bugs begone: Don’t be fooled by its colorful appearance! Fluffy leaf blankets are teeming with creatures below, like wolf spiders and black widows, mice and voles, and snakes. Mulching leaves break up the leaves into a thinner layer of organic matter, reducing the chances of it being used as a home by animals.
- Hello, sunlight: By chopping big leaves into smaller pieces, you reduce some of that leaf density, which stops your lawn from accessing sunlight. This way, your lawn can continue to photosynthesize, creating essential plant food for stronger, resistant root growth.
- Nutrient boost: Best of all, leaf mulching makes hard-to-decompose leaf litter into an accessible nitrogen source for your lawn. Leaf mulch can be thought of as a natural fall nitrogen fertilizer that also improves soil quality and moisture retention.
Common Questions from Massachusetts Homeowners
Q: Is there such a thing as too much mulch from leaves?
A: Many studies have shown that you can mulch up to six feet of leaves, and your lawn will be completely fine! However, if you’re concerned about your lawn’s access to sunlight and water, it’s also okay to bag leaves for your comfort.
Q: Is the effort required to thoroughly clear leaves off your grass worth it?
A: That’s entirely up to you. Some homeowners prefer to rake their lawns leaf-free all year for a better appearance. However, raking and leaf blowing can take hours and be back-breaking work! It’s important to weigh your own lawn goals and make a decision that’s right for you.
Q: Are mulched leaves good enough to use like actual mulch?
A: Yes, they are! Mulched leaves can be used at the base of shrubs and trees and within garden beds to regulate the soil temperature and retain moisture throughout the winter. Mulched leaves will slowly break down like other mulch types, releasing valuable nutrients into the soil and promoting healthy plant growth.
Start Mulching for a Healthier, Happier Massachusetts Lawn
Mulching is just one of many actions you can take to promote a hardy lawn this fall! MissionGreen’s annual lawn care program features a nutrient-packed winterizer application for an early spring green-up. Prepare and protect your turf before winter by scheduling an application with our expert New England lawn care team. Call MissionGreen at (413) 998-7829 or contact us for a FREE Massachusetts lawn fertilizer application quote today!
