Last updated 6/19/98 |
Table of Contents
Zac Reicher and Glenn Hardebeck
The objective of this study is to determine the effects of multiple years of annual leaf mulching on turf performance.
Disposing of fallen tree leaves is problematic for professional turf managers and homeowners each fall. Raking, blowing, and/or vacuuming tree leaves is labor intensive and therefore expensive. This problem is further complicated by a landfill lawn waste ban that went into effect in September 1994 which bans lawn wastes from most landfills. The easiest method of disposing leaves is to simply mulch them into the turf. Though this practice has been recommended for many years, there is little data on the long term effects of tree leaf mulching into turf.
Every October since 1994, maple tree leaves were collected, run through a garden shredder to facilitate handling, and applied to a perennial ryegrass stand at the Agronomy Research Center. Leaves were applied at 0, 2000, or 4000 lbs/A in a single application and immediately mowed with a mulching mower (a woodlot will drop approximately 3000 lbs/A/yr of tree litter). Since we felt that the high C:N ratio in the tree leaves would eventually limit nitrogen in the stand, we used three annual nitrogen rates. Beginning spring 1995, N rates used were 0, 2, and 4 lbs N/1000 ft2/yr. However, by summer 1996, the ryegrass receiving 0 lbs N/1000 ft2/yr declined dramatically and so the annual N rates were adjusted to 2, 4 and 6 lbs N/1000 ft2/yr. The area receives regular irrigation to prevent drought stress, and herbicide applications to limit broadleaf and annual weeds. Data collected includes monthly clipping weights, visual quality and color ratings, and annual evaluations of thatch, soil pH and soil nutrient concentrations.
Following are the results to date from this study:
- Leaves have no negative effect on turf visual quality or color
- Leaves have no negative effect on turf growth measure by clipping weights
- Leaves have no negative effect on mat or thatch depth
- Leaves have no negative effect on disease incidence or weed infestation
- Leaves have no negative effect on soil pH or nutrient availability
So far, the results are very positive and suggest that mulching tree leaves is an economical method of disposal with little risk of decreased turf performance. However, this study will continue with leaf mulching in 1998 and 1999 and data recorded throughout 2000. Long term results may be different than results after only three years of leaf mulching.
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