| We have an area at the rear of our fenced property as well, that has many large oaks, maples and lombardy poplars - a few white birches, a mountain ash and 4 very large white pines - all drop seasonal leaves, including piles of pine needles. If it was open to additional forested land, I would let it go natural - allowing what drops from the trees to go through nature's cycles. But, considering we live in a settled community, with adjoining neighbors, all with somewhat marked property boundaries - many with fences . . . including us, my choice is to go for a manicured effect. After all the leaves have fallen in the fall, they are blown to the corner with my compost bins and eventually shredded to a fine texture to induce a rapid metamorphosis . . . this is a multi-day process, considering the volume of leaves, size of our compost piles and value of the finished compost to our gardens. I also like the look of a park-like setting within the several grove areas. Trees are pruned regularly to allow some filtered sunlight through, so grass and ground covers can be cultured. The deciduous trees do provide welcome shade during summer months, shelter and food for birds and small animals, as well as material for producing black gold during the fall season. Short answer to your question - I collect the leaves and recycle them to better use than simply leaving them on the ground. |
