What to Do With All Those Fall Leaves (Hint: Don’t Get Rid of Them!)

What to Do With All Those Fall Leaves

As I have gotten older, I have learned to embrace each and every season for what it gives us — and fall might just be the most generous of them all. The air cools, the light softens, and the trees reward us with that breathtaking display of fiery color. It’s the season of cozy fires, warm drinks, and nature’s reminder of letting go of what is no longer needed, in exchange for rest and renewal.

But as soon as those brilliant leaves start to drop, many homeowners go into cleanup mode — raking, bagging, and hauling them away in an effort to keep their yard clean and tidy.

Here’s the truth: when you bag up those leaves, you’re throwing away one of the best (and completely free!) soil-building resources nature has to offer.

Now, I get it…a messy garden can drive me crazy— and If your garden is anything like mine, leaves are everywhere and you feel as though you are raking them as fast as they fall! They pile up on the deck and patio, clog drains, and blanket the lawn. But while many homeowners are rushing around outside with rakes and bags, determined to restore their lawns to tidy perfection and get rid of all those unsightly leaves, there are those if us that understand that bagging up those leaves is a missed opportunity.

Why You Shouldn’t throw Away Your Leaves

Those fallen leaves aren’t “yard waste” — they’re nature’s free fertilizer. As they decompose, they release a slow, steady supply of nutrients and minerals back into the soil, feeding the microorganisms that make your garden thrive.

As they decompose, they:

• Feed the microorganisms that make healthy soil thrive

• Add organic matter that loosens heavy clay and improves structure

• Help your soil retain moisture while reducing runoff

• Create a natural weed-suppressing mulch layer

Leaves are essentially nature’s way of returning what trees borrowed all season long. By letting them decompose where they fall — or reusing them wisely — you close the loop and feed your garden naturally.

In other words, your leaves are a gift — one you should cherish, keep and reuse!

Composting: Turning Leaves Into Black Gold

One of the best ways to use fall leaves is by adding them to your compost.
For the perfect balance, mix them with nitrogen-rich materials like:

• Fresh grass clippings

• Kitchen scraps (fruit and veggie peels)

• Organic manure

This balance helps your compost heat up and break down efficiently. If you can, shred the leaves first — smaller pieces decompose faster and create a finer, more balanced compost that your plants will love.

Mulch Them Right Into the Lawn

Not into composting? No problem. Just run your mower (without the bag) over the fallen leaves a few times to chop them into smaller pieces. These tiny bits will naturally filter down into your lawn and break down over winter, adding nutrients and organic matter back into the soil.

Be sure to avoid a thick layer — too many leaves can smother grass and encourage disease. A thin, even layer is just right.

Use Shredded Leaves as Garden Mulch

For your garden beds, shredded leaves make a fantastic, free mulch!

Spread them a few inches deep to:

• Protect plant roots from winter temperature swings

• Keep weeds down

• Add organic matter as they break down

In spring, simply turn them into the soil or leave them to continue decomposing — either way, your plants and soil will thank you.

For gardeners, a leaf shredder (hint hint, Santa 🎅) is a wonderful tool.

The Bottom Line: Leave the Leaves!

Before you reach for the garbage bags this fall, take a second look at that pile of leaves. They’re not a nuisance — they’re a natural resource. With just a bit of effort, you can turn that seasonal chore into an opportunity to enrich your garden, improve your soil, and close the loop in your own backyard ecosystem.

So grab your rake (and maybe a cup of something warm and yummy), and give those leaves the second life they deserve. 🍁