I'm curious about everyone's approach to dealing with fallen leaves in the garden. On one hand, I know leaving them can be beneficial for wildlife and might provide some natural mulch. But on the other, a lot of leaves can look pretty messy. What do you all do? Do you leave them to decay or rake them up for a tidier look?
3 Answers
I usually clear the lawn but let the leaves pile up in the borders. They serve as free mulch and create a nice habitat for small critters.
I don't mind a little mess—those leaves provide protection for the soil and can be a haven for worms. I usually only rake the lawn or areas where I have delicate plants. Other than that, I let nature do its thing!
I leave the leaves on the beds. It's a great way to retain moisture all year. I just mow the lawn regularly to handle leaves there; the mower chops them up nicely with the grass clippings.