A Leading Leaf Mulch Supplier in St. Louis
Leaf mulch, also known as leaf mold, is a type of compost that is made entirely out of different kinds of leaves. The leaves used in leaf mulch are often locally available, which is part of what makes it so good for the environment. Compost of any kind is like an all-natural, organic fertilizer that does not have the negative effects of harmful chemical fertilizers, while still offering all the same advantages.
Our leaf mulch is made by allowing leaves to sit in a pile for extended periods, with regular stirring and agitation until the leaves decompose. The color ranges from brown to black and it has a crumbly texture and a pleasant, earthy aroma. Leaf mold has many benefits and is a great way to improve the health of your plants. To learn more about our leaf mulch or to place an order, call us at (636)332-1928 or contact us to learn more about our compost and topsoil for sale by completing our online form.
The Benefits of Leaf Mulch
There are many reasons to use leaf mulch. These not only include benefits to your plants and your soil, but to the environment as well. Turning fallen leaves into compost is an economical and environmentally friendly way to turn waste into usable material. Here are some of the benefits of using leaf mulch for your garden:
- Improved Plant Nutrition and Health: Using shredded leaves as compost will protect trees and shrubs against fluctuating temperatures in winter. It also acts as great mulch in the summer months. Leaf mulch is known to prevent loss of moisture from the soil, keeping it optimally hydrated for all your plants through temperature changes. Dead leaves release their nutrients into soil as well, adding richness and making the soil better for the growth of your plants.
- Protection Against Weeds: Studies have shown that adding leaf mulch to your soil can protect against dandelion outbreaks and other weeds. Adding solid layers of leaf mulch offers greater protection than just spreading it around sparsely.
- Environmentally Friendly: Using natural organic matter like leaves and adding this back into the soil is a great way to recycle leaves for a useful purpose. It can reduce unwanted waste and serve as a natural fertilizer and weed repellent. Instead of using harmful chemical fertilizers, leaf mulch does the same job without causing long-term damage to your lawn, pets, or loved ones.
How is Leaf Mulch Made?
There is a specific process that goes into the making of leaf mulch. This process ensures that the nutrients from the mulch are released into the soil and are fully utilized. Therefore, chemicals such as nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous are put back into the soil as the leaves decompose. Here is an overview of the making of leaf mulch:
- Leaves are collected and, if necessary, separated to create mulch for specific needs.
- These leaves are then shredded as much as possible so that they break down more easily and become part of the soil.
- Shredded leaves are piled up in compost bins with some dirt and manure, which help promote the breakdown process. Clippings of fresh grass may also be added at this stage.
- Water is added, usually enough to just saturate the shredded leaves. This pile is then covered and left to decompose. The decomposing material may be stirred semi-regularly to promote the breakdown.
- The compost is then ready to be added to your garden or lawn.
Order Bulk Leaf Mulch from Kurtz Nursery and Topsoil in St. Louis
At Kurtz Nursery and Topsoil, all of our mulches and composts are of the best quality. They have a crumbly texture that makes them easier to spread and work with. We also make sure that only the finest, most organic components go into the leaf mulch. For your convenience, we offer bulk deliveries of all of our composts, including our leaf mulch, and we can deliver almost any amount of mulch straight to your doorstep or worksite.
To learn more about our leaf mulch and what goes into it, call us at (636)332-1928.