When Should Fallen Tree Leaves Be Removed From Gardens?

Question

Should fallen tree leaves be removed in the winter, after all the leaves have fallen? Or, is it better to leave them in flower beds and around bushes until the following year? Should they be removed early in the year (January/February when the ground is still cold), or leave them on the ground until early spring (March?) when the ground is warmer.

Answer 1

It's better to remove them in fall. Those on the lawn can be run over with a mulching mower and left to decompose and add nutrients to the lawn. If the leaves are small, they can be left on flower beds or under bushes as mulch. However, if the leaves are large or thick, they can pack down and promote disease. Large leaves are best removed and composted or chopped up and used as mulch. Here is more:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/mulch/mulching-with-leaves.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/composting/ingredients/composting-leaves.htm