Leaves – too valuable for organic waste

In autumn, the organic waste bins are full to bursting. And the compost, too, is frequently overflowing with large quantities of accumulated leaves. They cannot stay on the lawn, as the grass under them can suffocate and rot. And yet we can do quite a lot of things with foliage: they can act as frost protection for garden beds, or offer beneficial small animals a pleasant refuge for the winter. Leaves are an important raw material for the formation of humus.

Using the natural cycle

Leaves are not an irritating whim of nature. They represent an important link in the natural cycle and a valuable raw material in the formation of humus.
And yet where to put all those leaves in autumn? Approximately 20 percent of your autumn leaves can be accommodated on your compost heap. But no more than this, as in order to generate fertiliser which is really rich in humus and nutrients, a good mix of other organic materials such as lawn cuttings, shrub branches or smaller twigs as well as kitchen waste is required. The addition of lime helps to make the leaves rot more effectively.

Refuge and protection against frost

Those who have a quiet corner in the garden, where they can store leaves over the winter months, can provide insects and small animals such as hedgehogs with a wonderful winter home. However, this space should be protected from the wind, and remain undisturbed until spring. In this way, the animals can hibernate in peace.
Leaves can also serve as a winter protection for frost-sensitive planters and also for plants in beds. Shrubs in particular are thankful for a covering of leaves, especially in severe early or late frost. The leaves then rot in the beds as they would on the compost heap. In addition, pure leaf compost has a slightly acidic pH value. This makes it a good, fertile soil for bog plants such as the rhododendron or the hortensia.
The leaves form an air cushion under trees or bushes, and thus protect their roots against cold temperatures. To prevent the leaves flying away, they can simply be covered with a thin layer of earth.

Time-saving collection of leaves

Those who have already filled their compost heap and garden corner with leaves, but still have some storage space, can quickly brush up the leaves using a Shovel Rake, fill them into jute sacks and store them. In spring, the leaves can be scattered onto the compost between lawn cuttings to prevent decay and mould. Collecting leaves is very simple using a Leaf & Gras Collector. Autumn leaves on lawns, paths and driveways can thus be removed quickly without a motor.
If there is no space left at all for leaves in your garden, then it is still possible to hand in excess foliage at your municipal composting facility. They will also process the leaves to form useful compost soil.