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Oak-Leaves-as-Mulch-in-the-Garden.jpg

Oak Leaves as Mulch in the Garden

We have many large oak trees in our yard. I've heard that it isn't good to mulch the oak leaves because the acid from them kills the grass. Is this true? What can I do with the oak leaves?

Oak leaves make great mulch in the garden and when shredded with the mower can be left on the lawn.  Never leave oak or other large leaves intact on the lawn.  Their large surface blocks light and traps moisture.  Both are detrimental to the health and vigor of your lawn.  Oak leaves are slow to disintegrate so shredding will help speed up decomposition getting the valuable nutrients and organic matter into the soil.  Add shredded leaves to your compost pile, work them into vacant gardens in the fall or shred and leave them on the lawn.  As long as you can see the grass blades for the shredded leaves your lawn will be fine.

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