Read this week’s blog as our team weighs in on the popular debate of whether you should remove leaves or let them compost. All Season Tree Service is here to help you choose the right path forward!
Did you know that it is possible to use compost from fallen leaves to enrich the soil in your garden? If you've accumulated fallen leaves in your yard, use them to create compost. Not only will this increase the porosity of soil for your garden. You will also not need to send the organic matter to the landfill. But that’s not all you need to consider, especially if your property contains slippery pathways or sidewalks. To help you decide if it is better to remove leaves or let them compost, keep reading our guide!
THE BENEFITS OF COMPOSTING LEAVES
By choosing to compost your leaves, you can create rich and dark organic matter that you can add to the soil of your garden.
Since compost contains larger particles than garden soil, it can help to enhance the tilth. It will also hold moisture and keep weeds away if you use it as mulch.
If you add compost below your fruit trees, you can help them produce more fruit.
HOW TO COMPOST LEAVES DURING THE FALL AND WINTER MONTHS
It’s quite easy to start your own compost bin if you want to start composting your leaves.
The most important thing is that you ensure that the organic matter you are composting gets plenty of air. This will ensure that aerobic microbes will do the work of decomposing your compost bin's organic matter.
Contrary to popular belief, you can keep composting throughout the winter. All you need is a covering or tarp to keep out snow and rain. While moisture is needed to effectively compost, too much is not recommended. In fact, leaves and wood chips are excellent for insulating your compost bin when temperatures take a dip to maintain the right environment for the decomposition process.
SLIPPERY LEAVES AND SAFETY ISSUES TO CONSIDER
If you choose not to get rid of fallen leaves on your residential or commercial property, you could put people's safety at risk. When fallen leaves gather on wet pavement and start to decompose, they can become very slippery and pose a risk to your neighbours, employees, and visitors.
People who walk across them might slip and fall. This will create a liability for your commercial business. Therefore, it is essential to remove all fallen leaves from the walkways of your commercial property as quickly as possible.
TURN TO ALBERTA’S ALL SEASON TREE SERVICE FOR TREE PRUNING, TRIMMING AND REMOVAL
There are many benefits to composting leaves that have fallen onto the ground of your residential or commercial property. Composting is a great way to reduce waste while keeping your property healthy.
If you need help pruning, trimming, or removing a tree from your property, reach out to us today to take advantage of our safe tree care solutions for any-sized tree problem. We’re located in Edmonton and also serve communities in Sherwood Park, Spruce Grove and Fort Saskatchewan.