Autumn is time get your rake out! It is an essential piece of kit at this time of year.
Rake out the leaves
The beautiful autumn leaves are turning and falling from the trees and being deposited on your grass and paths. Whilst it remains dry they are great to scuff and wade through, however, once any rain falls they can clump together and become slippery and difficult to collect up.
When you rake the autumn leaves from paths, don’t forget to rake them up on any grass you have too. Leaves left on grass can kill the grass leaving ugly bare patches on your lawn. Leaves can be left on flower beds, as long as they are not smothering plants, the worms and mini beasts will breakdown the leaves providing nutrients and structure to the soil.
Rake your lawn
After the extended drought this summer lawns have recovered well, and raking them now helps aerate and discourage weeds and moss growing. It also encourages rain water to soak in helping garden drainage.
What to do with the leaves?
When you have collected your leaves, they can go in garden recycling bins or if you have space you may want to make leaf mould. Leaf mould is the easiest soil improver to make. All you need are some bin liners, put the leaves in, tie up the tops to stop them escaping and punch some air holes in the bags. Leave for a year or so and the leaves will transform into beautiful fine compost. Don’t put any diseased leaves into the bags; the infection will spread as the leaves breakdown. For this reason, Chopwell recommends you never put any rose leaves in leaf mould. Roses are notorious for fungal infections such as black spot and mildew that can easily infect other plants, leaving unsightly patches as well as weakening the plant.
If you find you are out of time to clear your garden of leaves for the winter, give Chopwell a call. Our friendly team can offer competitive quotes to give your garden a late autumn makeover, to make your outside space a place you are proud of at all times of the year.
