Avoid using pure compost as a potting soil because organic salts leaching from the material may damage roots. An excellent way of utilizing fall leaves, in addition to composting them, is to use them as a mulch in the vegetable garden or around ornamental plantings. Mother Nature has been mulching with leaves for millions of years, and it's time we followed her example. They also help insulate the soil and protect the roots of plants from severe winter cold and intense summer heat. Mulches also help prevent certain soil-borne diseases and some weeds.
Shredded leaves stay seated better on the soil surface than whole leaves that tend to blow around.
If you don't have a shredder, an easy way to shred leaves is to place them in smallwindrows, approximately three feet wide and one foot high. Then, with the lawnmower set in the highest wheel setting, run over the row. Place leaves three inches deep under trees and shrubs, and extend the mulch two to three times the canopy spread if possible. Shredding will also accelerate the decomposition of leaves added to the compost pile. Save Some Leaves for Cold Protection in Winter Fall leaves provide a better insulation from winter freezes than sheets or blankets that are commonly used, so save a few bags of fall leaves for this purpose.