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Nov. 6, 2024Jefferson City, Mo. |  By: Jeremy Werner

MU Extension Office offers advise for fallen leaves

leaves

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - With fall underway, the University of Missouri (MU) Extension Office is advising against leaving fallen leaves on your lawn.

Piled-up leaves can create a dense mat that blocks sunlight and retains moisture, increasing the risk of lawn disease. Instead, they recommend two solutions: mulching or composting.

To mulch, mow over damp leaves on the lawn in a crisscross pattern, chopping them into confetti-sized pieces. These small bits decompose and enrich the soil.

For composting, layer shredded leaves with a nitrogen source like fertilizer, manure, or grass clippings to speed up decomposition. Keep the pile moist but not wet, and turn it periodically to maintain microbial activity.

Stiff leaves like oak also work as mulch for tender plants. For details, download the free MU Extension guide “Making and Using Compost” at extension.missouri.edu.