Hello and welcome to our website. We are so glad you have found us; we hope you will enjoy reading our blog and find the information useful. We aim to blog regularly about trees and nature throughout the seasons.
As we approach the end of November it is time to get ready for winter, and if you have trees and shrubs in the garden there is work needed to enable your plants to give their best next year. Trees and shrubs have been giving a magnificent display of autumn colour over the past few weeks, but now those leaves are falling and should you clear them or let them rot down?
The simple answer is that if the leaves fall onto soil, then they can be left to rot down. If they fall on paths or grass clear them up, grass can get smothered and die off if left with a blanket of leaves and on paths leaves can cause a slip hazard. If you think your shrub or tree has any disease, or if it is a rose, it is always wiser to clear away the leaves wherever they fall to reduce the risk of contaminating the soil.
If you have lots of disease free leaves collected, rather than putting them in your recycling bin consider making leaf mould. Leaves rot down much more slowly than other organic matter so are not suitable to put on your compost heap. Leaf mould is a great soil improver, but you need patience it can take 2 -3 years to make.
If you have hedges, make sure you have finished cutting them before the end of November. If you are keen to provide insect habitats, leave clippings at the base of the hedge as habitat and places for hibernation.
With the shorter days and uncertain weather, these jobs can easily get left too long, if you are running out of time, give us a call and we can get your garden ready for the winter.
If you need any help or advice about winter pruning, please contact us.
