Here’s Why Rockford Should NOT Bag Their Leaves This Fall

Experts are saying that this fall, we should NOT bag our leaves...Here's why. NPR

After the strong winds the past few nights, my front and backyard is absolutely covers in leaves. While it does look pretty cool with the variety of colors, someone needs to pick them up...me. So do I go drop $15 bucks on a box of garbage bags, and get to work. Experts say the answer is NO.

Every year approximately 8 million tons of leaves end up in landfills. It's a good idea to keep them out of there.

Secondly leaves contain nutrients, that include nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. It's GOOD FOR the grass.

"Those nutrients are being returned to the soil." "But probably even more important than that, it's the organic matter. It's the fact that you've got this tissue that then eventually decomposes and improves the soil health."  - Susan Barton, a professor and extension specialist in landscape horticulture at the University of Delaware

Your best bet is to mow over the leaves, so they are cut up into smaller pieces. It's better to have smaller pieces and a thinner layer on the grass. You can also rake up piles of them and place them in a garden bet, around the base of trees. Saves you cash, from buying bags of mulch.

Now a pile of leaves so the kids can jump into them is STILL required, but mow em and spread em around when done to help your grass and gardens.