How to Use Leaf Mulch

Scatter a few mulched leaves under the small trees and shrubs in your yard. After adding one layer of leaves, try putting a layer of dirt on top. Over the dirt layer, scatter another layer of mulched leaves. This will help anchor the mulch and keep it from blowing away. Leaf mulch takes almost a year to break down, providing a long-lasting landscaping option.

Make a compost bin. Mulched leaves are perfect for creating compost. Pile the mulched leaves into their own bin and cover tightly. The leaves will need to be turned over and watered regularly to ensure that the compost forms correctly. Over the next few months, the leaves will break down and the nutrients from the leaves will create a perfect soil additive for next spring's planting. When the spring planting season comes, use the composted leaves as mulch in gardens and around shrubs and small trees.

Use as lawn food. Fallen leaves contain nutrients that can feed your lawn all winter long. Using a lawn mower with a mulching blade, make several passes over your leaf-covered lawn. Be sure to chop the leaves into the smallest pieces possible. After mowing, rake the leaves evenly to cover your lawn area. Over the course of the next few months, the nutrients in the leaves will sink into the soil, providing food for the grass. In the spring, the leaves will be long gone, leaving behind green grass without the harmful effects of lawn chemicals.