leaf collection around base of tree

Question

Is there any risk of mold forming when leaves are raked and brought around the base of a tree? My concern in this wet Oregon winter climate is that this is a good environment for mold to reproduce and kill grass.

Answer 1

Yes, any time you leave dead material out, there is the potential for mold or other problems (such as pests, disease or fungus) to develop, especially in wet environments.

I would recommend that if you are going to leave the leaves piled up around the tree, that you chop them up with a lawn mower. This will increase how quickly they decompose and reduce the amount of time they potentially have to develop a problem.