Mulching leaves

[Billybob]

Is it possible to overload the micro herd? I been mulching leaves for a few weeks now and it seems like the leaves are not breaking down very quick.

Should I bag once in awhile to give it a break?

[ Post made via iPhone ]

[mattya]

What kind of leaves? Oak leaves tend to take longer to break down. Either way, I wouldn't worry. If they sit there over the winter, they'll be "processed" come Spring.

[jglongisland]

If you spray FAS they tend to break down a bit faster (and turn black). If your sprinklers are still on give them a good soaking.

You'll find that they process faster from one year to the next. Moisture is important. You can leave a pretty thick layer over the winter with no ill effects - just a visual issue if that bothers you.

[Billybob]

Thanks the rain we got this week really helped

[ Post made via iPhone ]

[paulr]

My last 2 years notes say I was done mowing at this time, leaves were mostly down and mulched in. This year as of yesterday I'm still mowing, mulching, plenty of leaves still on the big oaks.

Cold snap coming this week, I'm worried top growth will stop and the leaves won't be off the oaks yet. I'm wondering too if I should bag the final batch or two of leaves.

[Ocelaris]

Soil temps will be up enough to keep the roots active for a bit longer. The leaves if anything will provide a nice cozy insulator against the cold. Just make sure the winterizer gets down and activated before the ground freezes.

[jglongisland]

My last 2 years notes say I was done mowing at this time, leaves were mostly down and mulched in. This year as of yesterday I'm still mowing, mulching, plenty of leaves still on the big oaks.

Cold snap coming this week, I'm worried top growth will stop and the leaves won't be off the oaks yet. I'm wondering too if I should bag the final batch or two of leaves.

I've had plenty of years where the lawn went into winter with 1/2 to 3/4" of leaf mulch sitting there all winter long. No harm; although visually you might not like it. A final spray of FAS turns it all black.

[paulr]

Yep.
Everyones lawns are nice and beautifully clear.....mines covered in leaves, lol. But mine will look a lot better for the rest of the coming year.

Must be doing something right because the neighbors probably think I'm wierd.

[BoatDr]

Folks in my neighborhood stopped doing yard work well before Halloween. I'm out there doing leaves until at least December 1st. They all make fun.


- Sent From My Sandlot.

[Parsec]

I've had plenty of years where the lawn went into winter with 1/2 to 3/4" of leaf mulch sitting there all winter long. No harm; although visually you might not like it. A final spray of FAS turns it all black.

I've been seeing this a lot lately on the forums. Is black supposed to look better than brown? Does FAS still get taken in by grass that already stopped top growth for the year?

[jglongisland]

I've had plenty of years where the lawn went into winter with 1/2 to 3/4" of leaf mulch sitting there all winter long. No harm; although visually you might not like it. A final spray of FAS turns it all black.

I've been seeing this a lot lately on the forums. Is black supposed to look better than brown? Does FAS still get taken in by grass that already stopped top growth for the year?

The "black" depends on the type of grass, and the level. If the grass is green but has stopped growing it usually does take in the FAS. Especially in November. As you get into mid-late December (depending on the year) it might have less of an effect.

[myPlums]

Noobie question... What the heck is FAS?

[ericgautier]

Noobie question... What the heck is FAS?

http://aroundtheyard.com/home1/articles ... -lawn.html

Scroll down to "Ferrous Ammonium Sulfate".

[ken-n-nancy]

While on the topic of mulching leaves, I today learned of a new article and video from Michigan State University encouraging mulching leaves into your lawn:

Web Article from MSU Extension: It’s not too late to mulch fallen leaves into lawns

MSU Gardening Tip Sheet for Additional Info: Mulch leaves into turf for a smart lawn

MSU YouTube Video: Video on Leaf Mulching

Keep mulching those leaves!

[ericgautier]

Decided to fire up the gopro today while I was mulch mowing..

video - http://youtu.be/LM_0WXiz9Jo

[oze]

Decided to fire up the gopro today while I was mulch mowing..

video - http://youtu.be/LM_0WXiz9Jo

Haha, thanks, Eric; very entertaining. Oooga-chakka!