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| I plan on doing a dormant seeding this winter. I prefer to mulch the leaves in the Fall by running the mower over the lawn once or twice a week. However, I'm wondering if the small pieces will prevent the grass seed from getting good contact with the soil. I've already done some mulching. Should I stop and put the rest in the compost heap?
Thanks, |
Follow-Up Postings:
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- Posted by bassplayer7 6 (My Page) on Tue, Oct 25, 11 at 17:06
| Where do you live? What's your typical annual snowfall? Also, how much leaves are we talking about here? I'm guessing you will be fine to mulch as it should become like topdressing but depending on the factors those questions should answer, it may be different. |
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| I'm in Michigan, so snow can be significant. The weather has changed so much over the years, it's hard to say how much we'll get this coming winter. Will the amount of snowfall affect the decomposition? Does the moisture promote it even when it's well below freezing? I'm sure we'll go through a few thaws before, or at the time of, early spring. The leaf drop doesn't seem to be too heavy when I mulch it up once or twice a week, however, in reality, it comes from 3 or 4 huge maples. You say that the mulched leaves can be a topdressing. Do you think that seed will fall below the mulched leaves? THAT I wouldn't be too worried about. Thanks, |
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| Please let me edit my response. After saying that topdressing with the mulched leaves wouldn't worry me, I realize that I'm too inexperienced to make that comment. You guys are the gurus. Thanks for your help. |
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| You should definitely continue to mulch your leaves. Make sure that the pieces are smaller than dimes. It will only help in the spring when the grass seed germinates. |
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| Thanks, Mark. I didn't get a definite response, gave it more thought and decided to continue to mulch the leaves. I'm glad you agree! Gail |
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| I don't agree. Leaves left on a lawn can deprive the soil of oxygen and if the leaves have had any kind of disease or pest infestation, the ground then is open to disease in the spring when the bugs eggs/larvae/adult stage returns. Leaves mat down, they draw moisture in and most, if left in any size that matters, will kill new seedlings as they appear in the spring. I suppose if they are miniscule in size then the danger of that is less. But, its a good idea to keep a lawn as clean as possible for spring renewal. Put the leaves where they can do the most good, in the compost, then reap the rewards later. |
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