Leaves can also be raked into a pile and shredded with a regular lawn mower. Spread whole leaves around vegetable gardens, flower beds, bushes and trees. The decomposing leaves will contribute nutrients to these areas as well. The leaves also form an insulating barrier around plants, reducing moisture loss and damage from severe winter weather. Composting leaves saves time and money.
Soil covered by composted mulch is less likely to erode.
Applying compost to yards and gardens reduces the need to fertilize. This cuts down on the amount of nutrients that run off the land into streams and rivers and, ultimately, the Bay. Of course, leaves are good for other things too. National Wildlife Refuges provide some of the best opportunities to observe and photograph waterfowl and other wildlife.