How to Get Rid of Dead Leaves

Composting

• 1

  Pile the leaves in a dry, shady area of your yard. Spread the leaves out into a 6-inch layer using a leaf rake.

• 2

  Spread a 3-inch layer of green grass clippings over the leaves and then mix the leaves and grass together with a pitchfork.

• 3

  Cover the leaves and grass with another 3-inch layer of leaves and then wet the top layer using a garden hose.

• 4

  Mix up the decomposing leaves and grass once every two weeks with the pitchfork to help aerate the compost. Add more layers and moisture. Repeat this process until the matter breaks down into fine dark-brown earthen particles. It should be ready to use as a soil amendment in about four months.

Mulching

• 5

  Pile the leaves up with a leaf rake.

• 6

  Push a lawn mower over the pile to pulverize the leaves. Rake the leaves up again and mow over them once more. Repeat this process until the leaves have been thoroughly shredded.

• 7

  Apply a 3/4-inch layer of leaf mulch in your garden to protect your cold-season winter vegetables such as carrots and beets. Till the leaves into your garden soil in the spring and add a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer to offset the nitrogen-depleting leaf fodder.