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Monroe, GA on Oct 15, 2011

Mulched leaves ... Do they create a problem with over-wintering insects?

I prefer to mulch my leaves (mainly because I have an overabundant amount) and my test section from last year seemed to hold moisture a bit longer than pine straw. Added benefit was the pleasure of watching the brown thrashers teach their babies how to scratch around for worms. Will not use of advised against doing so. Many thanks.

6 Comments

Walter Reeves Decatur, GA

I can't think of any bad insects that would live in mulched leaves. I say mulch away!

on Oct 15, 2011 · Like 1
Garden Rebel / Sims Lands... Orlando, FL

Mulch is great,especially when its recycled on site and free!

on Oct 15, 2011 · Like 1
Erica Glasener Atlanta, GA

great way to recycle, I leave lots of leaves in my woodland as mulch

on Oct 16, 2011 · Like 1
Ricardo B Alpine, TX

The only thing I've ever seen in a pile of whole leaves or mulched leaves is good old worms... great for last minute fishing adventures.
I would suggest layering soil and or sand with them to aid in decomposition so you'll get the extra quicker benefit of usable compost in the spring! Turn over or disturb the mulched leaves to help get valuable oxygen into it! Extra work but pleasing results...

on Oct 16, 2011 · Like 1
Pat G Monroe, GA

Thanks for all the quick replies... If I get rain this week, I"ll be out mulching away by Friday...
Thanks again for all the advice.

on Oct 17, 2011 · Like 0
Shawn E Forsyth, GA

ants or palmetto bugs will nest to keep warm and get moisrture from leaves keep at least a foot from home

on Oct 20, 2011 · Like 0