Submitted by MongooseProXC t3_z4o28p in Connecticut
NLCmanure t1_ixrz9ij wrote
contrary to what everyone thinks, it's not good to mulch leaves into your lawn. Leaf compost is acidic which lowers the soil pH and essentially kills grass, causes moss growth and soil compaction. to keep a healthy lawn, you're forced to lime it then fertilize the lawn to get the green to compensate. It's stress on the lawn and just more chemicals put into the ground water.
SplooshU t1_ixs0p84 wrote
The study by Michigan State University states otherwise. https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/mulch_leaves_into_turf_for_a_smart_lawn
NLCmanure t1_ixs6b1p wrote
I know from years of experience and doing my own soil pH tests and grinding leaves in to a lawn. Fuck MSU. they're not in CT.
if you want to dump man-made chemicals to fix your lawn to compensate for acidity, knock yourself out.
AhbabaOooMaoMao t1_ixsp7h7 wrote
I prefer evidence based research.
BeachAdjacent t1_ixsag65 wrote
Composted leaf mulch is incredibly good for your lawn, flower beds, veggie beds, etc. Is it so Ph neutral (very, very slightly acidic) that it doesn't even injure seedlings. You can grow seeds in a mix of leaf compost and potting soil. It loosens up compacted soil improving soil structure and drainage. I've never put any chemicals in my lawn, always mulch-mow my leaves, and my gardens are fantastic.
AhbabaOooMaoMao t1_ixsp518 wrote
Some of this is legit for new lawns. Established lawns can handle it. Only thing you have to worry about is blotting out the sun. Bare spots tend to get an accumulation of leaf mulch, and then new grass can't grow there in the fall or spring. Avoid this with scarification. I use tow behind tools, a core aerator and tine dethatcher.
turkeygobblegobblr t1_ixzqbxl wrote
> you’re forced to lime it then fertilize the lawn to get the green
No one’s forcing you buddy, beyond some weird “green lawn” fetish
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