Paul Koch, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin–Madison at Turf Education Day 2025
Description: Tree leaf collection is one of the most common fall landscape practices. Piling leaves at the curb contributes significant amounts of phosphorus to urban waterways and requires significant municipal resources to collect and dispose of them in a timely manner. Mulching tree leaves into lawns can be an efficient way to dispose of tree leaves that may also contribute nutrients and organic matter to home lawns, but concerns exist over the impacts of tree leaf mulching on turfgrass health. This presentation will summarize a 3-year study at the University of Wisconsin - Madison detailing the impacts of tree leaf mulching on turf and soil health.