Instead of burning leaves or stuffing them in garbage bags for the trash haulers to take away, compost them. Compost improves garden soil by increasing its organic matter. This, in turn, improves soil drainage. Organic matter is especially beneficial in heavy clay or light, sandy soils.
Organic matter reduces soil crusting and helps soil hold water and nutrients.
The compost also supplies a small amount of nutrients. Compost can be used as a mulch around plants, too. Mulch helps conserve moisture as well as reduces frost heaving. To compost leaves, alternate leaves with layers of soil or manure. Make layers of leaves six to 12 inches thick, layers of soil or manure about one inch thick.