What to do with autumn leaves and leaf litter
Autumn is a beautiful time of year, but it can also mean extra work for homeowners. One of the most common chores is dealing with all the fallen leaves and leaf litter. We’re sharing tips on how to make this task easier, and how to use it as an opportunity to improve your garden.
Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glass, ear muffs, gloves and mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.
Collect leaves and litter
First, you need to get the leaves off your lawn and out of your garden beds. For smaller areas, a sturdy garden rake will do the trick. Rake the leaves into small piles and then use leaf scoops or gloves to pick up and dispose of them. For larger areas, a leaf blower or vacuum is more efficient. If you have a lot of leaves to dispose of, consider using a lawn mower to chop them up before adding them to your compost or council green waste bin.
Add leaves to your compost bin
Composting is a great way to recycle your garden waste and create nutrient-rich soil your plants will love. Most garden leaves can be disposed of via your compost bin, but not all leaves break down easily. Make sure to check what type of leaf you’re working with first.
Adding leaves to compost is considered as adding “browns”. To balance out your compost, you'll need to add “greens” like grass clippings or food scraps. Be sure to water and mix your compost regularly to help it decompose faster. Smaller leaves break down faster, so shred them with a lawn mower or mulcher before placing them in the compost. Also, avoid adding any diseased leaves to your compost, as the pathogens can infest your compost and, in turn, your plants.
Mix leaves into your soil
Put your autumn leaves to work by mixing them into the soil. Autumn leaves are a natural source of nutrients that can support healthy plant growth and mixing them into your soil is an easy way to give your garden beds a boost. Leaves are packed with incredible minerals that worms and beneficial microbes feed off. They lighten heavy soils and retain moisture in sandy soils. However, not all leaves break down easily, so be sure to check what types of leaves you have before mixing them into your soil.
Create your own natural mulch
Leaves can also work as natural mulch, saving you some money. Sprinkling excess leaves around your garden beds creates an insulative layer that protects your plants from the cold. It also boosts the soil's ability to retain moisture and helps suppress weed growth. However, make sure not to pile the leaves too high or too close to the stems of your plants, as this can cause rot or encourage pests.
Prepare your plants for cooler weather
Check out our advice on how to protect plants from frost.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
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