How to Recycle Autumn Leaves

Autumn comes but once a year and with it, leaf activities will commence. Adults, children and pets all enjoy playing in the autumn leaves however there other ways to utilize this gift from nature. Here are some tips on how to recycle autumn leaves.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Rake
• Leaf vacuum
• Leaf shredder
• Compost
• Leaf bags
• Lawn Spreader

1. Rake the leaves into a large pile then vacuum the leaves into a shredder. The shredder will produce fine leaf mulch. Spread this mulch over your lawn and gardens. The nutrients from the leaves will feed your lawn and garden.

2. After a hard frost, cut back your perennial plants. Then apply three to four inches of leaf mulch to your gardens. . Surround your plants, trees and shrubs with a thick layer of leaf mulch. The nutrients from the leaves will enrich the soil and will protect the plants from the snow and ice.

3. Add dried autumn leaves to your compost. The leaf matter will break down and develop rich compost. Enrich your flowerbeds, trees, shrubs and lawn with this rich compost.

4. For container plants, add 1-2 inches of dried leaf mulch to your container. Next, add the compost and then plant your flower. The plants roots will feed off the leaves nutrients for up to two years.

5. 

   Use dried leaves to light your firepit or campfire. The leaves are natural tinder. For a medium size, firepit add two handfuls of leaves to the center of your firepit, top the leaves with dried sticks. Next, set your firewood up like a tee-pee with leaves and sticks in the center. This setup will allow the air to circulate and your fire will start quickly.

Tips & Warnings

• Scoop the excess leaf mulch into airtight trash bags and tie the top closed. Store the excess leaf much in a cool dry area. You may use the leaf mulch in the spring for your lawn, garden or compost.
• Many recycling centers offer complimentary leaf mulch for homeowners to use in their yards and gardens. Call your recycling center for more information.
• Refrain from vacuuming wet leaves
• To prevent the leaf mulch from blowing away from your garden, top the leaf mulch with a layer of cypress or other tree mulch.

[lynsuz12]

on 11/18/2009 Recycle when and where you can. Good article.

[Merriment]

on 11/16/2009 I like the idea of shredding the leaves to make mulch. That would work much better than placing the whole leaves in the gardens. Great ideas for making good use of autumn leaves.

[goodselfme]

on 11/12/2009 Tx for the tips to recycle dried autumn leaves. I learned to put them in the garden for mulch from your great help.

[makaksa]

on 11/10/2009 Composting is a great way to get rid of dried leaves.

[xivyisazombiex]

on 11/9/2009 A great way to recycle. important article.