Don’t rake those leaves – mulch ’em

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 15/10/2021 (598 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Fall is well underway in Winnipeg and the constant storm of falling leaves is a common frustration of homeowners this time of year. When we finally finish raking, it seems that the wind just blows more leaves into the yard. While we appreciate the benefits trees provide our neighbourhood in the summer, it can feel like a full-time job cleaning up after Mother Nature.

If you are like me, you may be looking for ways to make yard work easier. One simple way is to mulch the fallen leaves into your lawn and boulevard, rather than raking and having them picked up on yard waste day.

For the last few years, I have experimented with this mulching method and have had great success in my yard. To start, ensure your lawn mower has the ability to mulch (it will have a mulching blade and/or a mulch plug). Begin by mowing slowly in straight lines, overlapping each cut by half. Then mow the opposite way, which mulches the leaf cover down to pieces about the size of a dime.

The theory and science behind this mulching method is to break down the organic leaf matter into pieces that are small enough to compost over winter in your lawn. The leaf remnants also provide a food source for the worms and insects in the soil, which improves the health of your lawn. Leaves are also full of nutrients, which gently fertilizes your lawn as they break down over the fall and winter. Next spring, your lawn will bounce back quicker and green up sooner because of this leaf mulch method.

Mulching leaves works best when you continually mow and break down your leaves as they come down. It may take more time walking behind your lawnmower, but it saves raking and bagging up all the leaves.

I encourage you to try a section in your yard and see how this new method works for you.

Good luck with fall clean up in the garden!

Daniel Guenther is president of the Garden City Residents’ Association and a community correspondent for his neighbourhood. Email him at: gardencitywinnipeg@gmail.com

Daniel Guenther
Garden City community correspondent

Daniel Guenther is president of the Garden City Residents’ Association and a community correspondent for his neighbourhood. Email him at: gardencitywinnipeg@gmail.com

   Read full biography