How Can Fall Leaf Cleanup Affect The Health Of My Trees?

Overall Benefits of Leaf Mulching

Under the grass in our yard is an entire world full of microorganisms, tree roots, nutrients, enzymes, fungi, and more. These parts of the ecosystem work in tandem to provide food and nutrients that eventually feed trees and stimulate healthy growth. Leaves can play a large role in this process if they are allowed to mulch and become part of the soil that surrounds tree roots. This autumn consider skipping leaf removal and giving each tree a nutritional boost. Leaves will begin to decompose and mulch, a process that takes time, but is sped up by the natural environment. Letting the leaves that fall around your tree decompose provides a natural fertilizer that creates a richer, healthier soil that provides for the trees. These rich environments also promote microorganisms around tree roots, which help maintain a nutrient dense environment throughout the year.

Soil Nutrients from Leaves

When decomposed leaves will contribute a variety of organic materials into the surrounding soul. By allowing the fall leaves to break down and become a part of the soil naturally. Fallen leaves are often added to personal composts with the intent of increasing the nitrogen levels and providing more nutrients to the soil. Most fertilizers act as nutrient supplements and contain many of the same nutrients that come from composted leaves. These added fertilizers may have a negative impact on the soil in your yard. They can create a more hostile environment for microbes that would otherwise contribute to a health ecosystem. When the natural rhythm of trees, plants, animals, and microbes are too restricted the result can negatively impact the soil, and therefore the trees on your property. There is a delicate balance in maintaining a yard, and allowing the soil to be enriched naturally.

How Leaves Contribute to Tree Root Health

As the roots from trees and plants soak up the nutrients and minerals in the soil around them the nutrients can slowly be depleted. Trees obtain resources to nurture their growth in several ways, and by providing a more stable soil they can grow stronger, healthier, and live longer. By allowing some of the leaves that fall into your yard to decompose you are allowing the natural rhythm of nature to feed the soil, which in turn feeds your trees. Leaves will eventually be turned into soil and in turn enrich the soil in your yard. Leaving the fall leaves provides additional resources that would otherwise require higher levels of fertilizer. Help maintain the soil in your lawn and garden by reducing the leaf cleanup you would typically do in the fall.

Breaking Fall Leaves Into Smaller Pieces

A great technique to easily turn fall leaves into mulch for the lawn is to utilize tools you already have at your disposal. With a lawn mower you can quickly and efficiently break apart the leaf canopy that has covered your yard. Some homeowners prefer a cleaner looking yard, and by breaking the leaves apart into smaller pieces the yard will look more tidy while still acting as a natural fertilizer to your trees. Once the leaves are broken up into smaller pieces it becomes easier for microbes like fungi and bacteria to consume and digest the leaves. As microbes digest the bacteria they in turn produce enzymes that will be released. This fall consider skipping leaf removal and let the natural cycle take place. You will create a healthier ecosystem for all of the plants, trees, and microbes on your property.

Reducing the Overall Need of Fertilizers

Trees receive the food they need to survive through photosynthesis, and by absorbing them from their roots. While manufactured fertilizers can help some plants and trees to grow, controlling pests, disease, and other things that can bring harm, not all the side effects are positive. Fertilizers can impact the pH of soil, and if not used correctly can reduce the organisms and microbes that contribute to the health of the soil. Decomposing plant life such as leaves from a tree can be a major contributor to the health of the soil around each tree. Leaves will decay and in turn contribute organic matter into the ground and create a more suitable environment for tree roots. This means the roots will continue to be surrounded by soil that is nourished. This natural process can reduce the need for fertilizers to be added into your yard. Working with a professional tree company like Joseph Tree we can provide insight into tree maintenance and offer tree care services to ensure your trees are getting an appropriate amount of food, nutrients, and supplementary fertilizers when necessary.

Joseph Tree: Local Professional Arborists

Joseph Tree provides tree removal, tree trimming, tree care services, and commercial tree services. Whether you need a stump removed, a dead tree replaced with a new one, or are simply looking for a local service to provide general tree maintenance we are glad to help. We have developed tree care services that exceed industry standards and are proud to approach every situation with a unique mindset. We focus on the individual needs of each tree and provide personalized care for every customer.

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At the heart of our business we are passionate about the trees of Central Ohio. We have focused our efforts on different tree services to not only help our clients with issues they have with trees, but also to help local trees thrive. If you have questions regarding any of our services contact our team today. We can provide additional information and create an estimate for any services you may require.