Looking for a way to get rid of those pesky fall leaves? Here we share the environmental, gardening and time-saving benefits of leaf mulching and how to get started putting those leaves to good use.
Raking and bagging leaves is a major chore in the fall.
If you live in a community where the HOA bans burning and there is no leaf pick-up, using leaves as mulch is the ultimate functional and eco-friendly solution to your problem.
My Personal Experience with Leaf Mulching
In 2022, I raked and bagged more than 100 39-gallon bags of leaves and hauled them to the local transfer station.
The effort of blowing and raking plus 30 minutes travel in each direction was a major time consumer. In addition to the expended effort, the cost of bags and fuel for the blower (petroleum products) are serious cost considerations.
In 2023, this total went up to 125 bags, but the travel time was less due to a nearby neighbor taking the leaves to mulch his garden.
I will admit I am a slow learner, but after this repeat performance, and observing a neighbor mulching his leaves, I saw the light and realized that mulching was the way to go.
I have a Cub Cadet mower with a 46” deck, and when I checked on Amazon’s website, I saw mulch plugs and replacement blades for sale.
Being conservative, I decided to try the mulch plug first, and if it did not perform satisfactorily, I would purchase a replacement mulching blade.
The purchase was less than $30, and it took only a minimum effort to remove the discharge chute from the mower and attach the mulch plug.
Results Using the Mower Mulch Plug Attachment
A trial run revealed that the mulch plug appeared to be adequate for mulch leaves and grass. If Fall 2024 reveals any problems, I will purchase the replacement mulching blades and the problem will be resolved.
In addition to mulching leaves, the mulch attachment also ensures higher grasses will be shredded and mulched to provide a more uniform lawn without unsightly rows of discharged grass stems.
How to Use a Mulch Plug on a Riding Mower
A mulch plug is merely a plastic attachment that replaces the normal discharge chute on a typical lawn mower.
When using this device to mulch leaves or high grasses, it is advisable to lower the cutting deck to a closer proximity to the soil level. This will minimize the discharge of leaves/grass until they are sufficiently mulched.
The principle of the mulch plug is it restricts the discharge of leaves/grass until they are shredded and left on the soil surface rather than discharged in the normal manner.
If you need mulch blades, they are also available from Amazon and most lawn supply shops. Amazon offers a set of mulching blades and a mulch plug for less than $100.
Side Benefits of Mulching
Mulching of leaves on the lawn has a side benefit of promoting soil fertility.
The decomposition of leaves adds nutrients to the soil and helps retain moisture.
If there is a situation where most of the leaves are from oak trees, the high rate of carbon versus a lower rate of nitrogen may lead to a reduction of nutrients. The mixture of grass clippings should keep the nitrogen rate at an adequate level, but a soil test may show the need for nitrogen to be broadcast over the lawn in the fall.
Mulching Benefits for Gardeners
As noted by my neighbor’s use of my leaves, there are benefits for leaves to be used for garden mulch, including:
- Improved fertility
- Better moisture control
- Weed control
Blowing leaves onto a tarp and mulching your garden location is a great way to rid yourself of the excess leaves and ensure improved garden performance.
In addition, it will remove the need to transport them and fill up the landfill needlessly.
For More Information on Leaf Mulching, see: How (and why) To Make Your Own Leaf Mulch
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