Q.
Is it best to remove all the leaves from the soil after they have fallen or
leave them on the soil as mulch for fruit trees? My concern is about insects
that might stay there during the winter and cause damage in the spring.
Is it best to remove all the leaves from the soil after they have fallen or
leave them on the soil as mulch for fruit trees? My concern is about insects
that might stay there during the winter and cause damage in the spring.
fr |
| From reader |
A.
In a very general sense I have two concerns regarding leaving undecomposed
leaves at the base of plants. You are right, the first one is insect problems
and it’s very possible some insects will overwinter under loose leaves that
have not decomposed.
In a very general sense I have two concerns regarding leaving undecomposed
leaves at the base of plants. You are right, the first one is insect problems
and it’s very possible some insects will overwinter under loose leaves that
have not decomposed.
Remember to pick up any fruit lying
on the ground as well. Do not leave dried fruit on fruit trees because of
potential insect problems.
on the ground as well. Do not leave dried fruit on fruit trees because of
potential insect problems.
One insect in particular is the
grape leaf skeletonizer. Don’t leave debris around the base of grape plants
because of this insect problem. Make sure leaves are shredded or composted. If
you have one, lawnmowers are efficient leaf shredders.
grape leaf skeletonizer. Don’t leave debris around the base of grape plants
because of this insect problem. Make sure leaves are shredded or composted. If
you have one, lawnmowers are efficient leaf shredders.
The second potential problem is disease.
There are a few diseases that cut overwinter on fallen leaves. It is always
better to compost or shred leaves if you’re going to leave them around the base
of plants. Sanitation in the garden is important.
There are a few diseases that cut overwinter on fallen leaves. It is always
better to compost or shred leaves if you’re going to leave them around the base
of plants. Sanitation in the garden is important.
Some leaf blowers allow a suction function to both suck up leaves, shred them and bag them. I use a electric Toro to do this. Pretty easy stuff for under $75.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Toro-225-mph-390-CFM-Electric-Super-Leaf-Blower-with-Vacuum-Shredder-51618/204325847
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Toro-Shredz-All-Shred-Ring-Kit-51662/205808857
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DztWZmSI6ug