Is it recommended to leave leaves around plants & cover with compost?

Jackie...I like to take leaves away from under my plants and we have chipped brick in our landscaping and I think it looks neater.

It is best to clean away any old leaf debris just in case it harbors disease. Compost after with a good quality compost but keep it away from the plant about three inches.

I do, it adds the plants natural organic compost back to the plant. just pull it away from direct contact with base of plants since it will raise soil line. only time to remove them is if they are infected with any fungal issues.