How to Recycle Autumn Leaves

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By susan golis
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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

Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 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.