October 17th

By Mutt Mulligan

Mulch your leaves this fall for a healthy yard

Good news for those who don’t love to rake fall leaves. Research has shown that mowing over your fallen leaves until they are in tiny pieces and then letting them remain on the lawn is great for your grass. Scientists at Michigan State University found that mulching leaves into the existing turfgrass adds nutrients, retains soil moisture, and reduces weeds. Another bonus? Mulched lawns naturally green up faster in the spring.

There are lots of good reasons to keep our lawns and other living landscapes healthy, year-round. Studies show that green space contributes to health, happiness, and intellect in people. It is also important for the health of our ecosystem. Remember, nature starts at your backdoor! Wildlife, birds and insects rely on our backyards to rest and recharge.

And of course, we can’t forget the important benefits our living landscapes offer to the environment. Grassy areas mitigate storm water runoff, slowing down and absorbing runoff, while also cleansing water of impurities and dust. Turfgrass also helps cool our communities by dissipating the heat island effect.

To learn more about the benefits of our living landscapes, go here.