Managing fallen leaves is an essential aspect of fall lawn care in Toronto, especially with the recent abundance of leaves on the ground. Leaves provide valuable nutrients and a natural habitat for wildlife. However, they can also create a breeding ground for pests, diseases, and hazards.
“Leaving the leaves on your lawn offers several benefits,” says Erik Benneter, district manager at the West Toronto Davey Tree office. “As they decompose, they add valuable nutrients to your soil, enhancing its overall health. Fallen leaves also help retain moisture in the soil that can be helpful during dry periods. They also provide a natural habitat for beneficial pollinators and wildlife in your yard. Additionally, leaves serve as a healthy and cost-efficient replacement for mulch, contributing to a sustainable gardening approach.”
While fallen leaves can provide numerous benefits, leaving them on your lawn can also pose certain risks. Accumulated leaves can create a breeding ground for common diseases such as:
- Leaf spot. A variety of fungi and bacteria cause leaf spot diseases in leaves, including spots, blotches, rings, and holes. Some leaf spot diseases can cause leaves to turn yellow or brown and fall prematurely. Leaf spot is most prevalent in the spring and fall when conditions are cool and wet.
- Anthracnose. This fungal disease can affect a wide variety of trees. It causes leaf spots, twig blight, and cankers, which can eventually lead to leaf drop.
- Powdery mildew. This is another fungal disease that can affect a wide variety of trees. It causes a white or grayish powdery growth on leaves, stems, and buds. Powdery mildew can reduce photosynthesis and cause leaves to turn yellow and fall prematurely.
- Tar spot. This is a fungal disease that affects maple trees. It causes black, tar-like spots on leaves. Tar spot can cause leaves to turn yellow and fall prematurely.
- Cedar apple rust and cedar hawthorn rust are fungal diseases that require two different hosts to complete their life cycle. Cedar apple rust infects both juniper and apple trees, while cedar hawthorn rust infects both juniper and hawthorn trees. These diseases cause orange, gelatinous galls on juniper trees. In the spring, the galls release spores that can infect apple or hawthorn trees. The diseases cause leaf spots and cankers on apple and hawthorn trees.
Additionally, wet leaves can create a slippery surface that can be hazardous to walk on. They can also smother grass and prevent it from receiving sunlight and air, leading to dead patches in your lawn. It’s essential to be aware of these risks so you can balance the advantages of leaf litter with the need for proper lawn care.
As fall settles in, it’s important to take steps to prevent tree diseases from spreading in your yard. Following these essential tips can help protect your trees and yard to ensure they remain healthy and resilient through the upcoming season.
- Rake up and dispose of diseased fallen leaves. Fallen leaves can harbor fungal spores and other pathogens. Rake up and dispose of these leaves to reduce the risk of disease spreading. Do not compost these leaves; they need to be thrown away.
- Prune dead or diseased branches. These can also harbor fungal spores and other pathogens. By pruning dead or diseased branches, you can help reduce the risk of disease spreading to other parts of your tree.
- Water. Trees that are well-hydrated are more resistant to disease. Water trees regularly, especially during the hot, dry summer months.
- Fertilize trees to help them to stay healthy and strong. However, it is important to fertilize according to trees’ needs. Too much fertilizer can damage trees and make them more susceptible to disease.
- Inspect regularly for signs of disease. If you see any signs of disease, contact a certified arborist for advice.
If trees are healthy- what’s the best way to manage fallen leaves in your yard?
If you have a small number of leaves, mulch them with your lawnmower and leave them on your lawn. If you have a larger number of leaves, rake them up and add them to garden beds or mulch rings under trees.
No matter what method you choose, weighing the benefits and risks of fallen leaves is important to make the best decision for your yard.
Consult your local tree expert for a disease check at https://www.daveytree.ca/about-davey-canada/contact-us/?type=residential
Cover photo credit The Davey Tree Expert Company
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