Gardening Q & A: Utilizing Fall Leaves in the Garden

Different types of leaves take varying lengths of time to decompose, and the rate of decomposition can have a positive or negative effect on plants. For instance, maple leaves decompose quickly and make a great mulch. On the other hand, oak leaves decompose slowly, taking as long as five years to break down, and they can prevent moisture from reaching the soil. To speed the decomposition of leaves, run them through a shredder or chipper, then place them around plants to provide beneficial nutrients.

--Mary Stanley, Private Gardener