Leaf Decomposition

[jellywest]

I am mulching my leaves back into my lawn but am concerned that there maybe quite a bit of build up

what can I use to help speed up the decomposition of the leaves in my lawn and planting beds

thanks

[Nadine]

In your lawn, you can mulch them with a mulching mower. Word of warning: I purchased a "mulching" mower that did not have a true mulching blade on it. It is worth the money to get a mulching blade. I think I paid ten dollars more than what the original type blade cost.

In the garden, I must admit, I leave them there. (No pun intended).

[Dchall_San_Antonio]

jellywest wrote: I am mulching my leaves back into my lawn but am concerned that there maybe quite a bit of build up

what can I use to help speed up the decomposition of the leaves in my lawn and planting beds

Moisture is the #1 thing to use. Next would be milk (at 3 ounces per 1,000 square feet) to get some fungal activity going on the leaves. But they still have to be moist for the decomposing fungi to keep active.

[CaptainCompostAL]

All dry leaves are "browns" (high carbon materials)

"Greens" are high nitrogen materials
(i.e. food scraps, grain meals, raw manures, etc.).

True composting of any form needs a blend of greens and browns, in order to develop a healthy aerobic humus material, loaded with beneficial aerobic microbes.