Forget about those plastic bags for autumn’s falling leaves. One of the easiest ways to avoid stacks of plastic bags headed for a landfill, and help your lawn and garden, is to mow the fallen leaves into your lawn. The leaves provide a natural mulch your yard will appreciate next spring. It is best to cut back your perennials before mulching.
Taking this step now, when the weather is cooler and your garden doesn’t require as much attention as it will take next year, takes another chore off your usually busy spring to-do list. Plus, this approach is a lot easier than it is to rake and bag all those leaves.
Mulch applied in the fall will act like a blanket to keep your perennials warmer during the coming winter months and help retain any moisture the season brings.