x
Breaking News
More () »

Proctor's Garden: Here's why you shouldn't rake leaves

It may be tempting to, but it is actually not a good thing to rake your leaves in the fall.

DENVER — Some people have a compulsion to rake up every leaf that falls on their property. That's not necessarily a good idea. While it's perfectly logical to sweep fallen leaves off paved surfaces, most leaves should be left where they fall

Leaves are future soil. The crumble and degrade over the winter and enrich the soil. 

What about leaves on turf areas? Use a mulching mower to cut them up. Or take the catcher off a conventional mower. This feeds the grass. 

Please don't send leaves to landfills. You can easily compost them. It doesn't have to be a complicated operation. Just pile them on a tarp and weigh them down with branches or chicken wire. Or just dump them in a bin. By spring they will turn into what English gardeners call leaf mold. Use this nutritious stuff as topdressing for borders or vegetable beds. It can also be added to potting soil mixes. It's very good for plants. 

More Proctor's Garden

> Top stories curated daily just for you! Sign up for the 9NEWSLETTER to get can’t-miss stories, Next and Broncos content, weather and more delivered right to your inbox.

MORE WAYS TO GET 9NEWS

Subscribe to our daily 9NEWSLETTER

Download the 9NEWS APP
iTunes: http://on9news.tv/itunes
Google Play: http://on9news.tv/1lWnC5n 

HOW TO ADD THE 9NEWS APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE

ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for KUSA.

For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "9news" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.

RELATED: Late summer garden gems

RELATED: Tips to protect plants from the heat

Before You Leave, Check This Out