- Spring raking is the key to a healthy lawn, preventing diseases and weed growth.
- Burning the leaves is harmful and illegal; they are punishable by a fine of up to PLN 2,000. zloty.
- Process the leaves into compost with chicken manure to obtain valuable fertilizer.
- Learn how to create compost step by step and why it’s worth doing!
Spring raking is one of the first and most important rituals in . It’s not only about aesthetics, but above all about the health of the lawn and preparing the soil for the new growing season. Removing the layer of rotting leaves, twigs and other organic remains that have been lying around since autumn allows better access of air, light and water to the grass roots. This is a key step in preventing fungal diseases and molds that often grow under the wet, rotting layer.
Many people consider it an unnecessary effort, which unfortunately often leads to problems with the lawn later. The organic residues left behind create the so-called felt that suffocates the grass, preventing it from growing properly and weakening the root system. Moreover, the humid environment under the felt is an ideal place for the development of moss and unwanted weeds that will quickly take over a weakened lawn. Early spring raking is therefore an investment in a healthy and dense green carpet for the entire season, minimizing the need to use strong chemicals.
What to do with fallen leaves?
Burning leaves is harmful to the environment. In most Polish municipalities, this is an illegal activity and may result in a fine of up to PLN 500 or a fine of up to PLN 2,000. zloty. Why is burning leaves harmful? Smoke from burning leaves contains particles that irritate the lungs and are carcinogenic. Additionally, burning leaves harms the environment due to the release of nitric acids.
It is best to turn fallen leaves into a composter. .
Fallen leaves in autumn are a natural organic raw material that – instead of being thrown into a pile or taken away – can be transformed into a valuable fertilizer or soil improver. The processed leaves become leaf humus, which:
- improves soil structure – increases aeration, loosens clay soil, retains moisture in drier soils,
- increases the water capacity of the soil – soil with the addition of leaf humus stores water better,
- favors the life of soil microorganisms and earthworms – creates an environment in which beneficial soil organisms develop,
- as a “carbon-rich” material, it can be combined with nitrogen material to accelerate decomposition and increase fertilizing value.
Add chicken manure to the leaves. This will make the fertilizer better
Chicken manure is an organic fertilizer made mainly from hen excrement, often with an admixture of bedding (e.g. straw, sawdust) – i.e. the rest of the bedding material used in the hen house. Chicken manure has a relatively high concentration of nutrients compared to cattle manure:
- contains nitrogen (N), which is crucial for plant growth – the nitrogen concentration in chicken manure can be significant, but large losses may occur if improperly stored,
- contains phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) and trace elements (magnesium, calcium, iron, copper, zinc),
- it has a relatively high pH (slightly alkaline), which deacidifies the soil to some extent.
After the leaves (preferably dry ones) fall, collect them from the garden. Avoid leaves that are diseased or infected with fungi. To speed up decomposition, run a lawn mower over the dry leaves (set to high) or use a shredder. Smaller pieces decompose faster than whole leaves. In the place intended for compost:
- place a layer of leaves on the bottom (approx. 10–15 cm)
- then add a thin layer of chicken manure (e.g. 1–2 cm)
- then a layer of leaves, then manure again – alternating
Cover the pile with plastic wrap or thin foil (with holes) to keep moisture in but allow air to circulate. Dig or turn the pile every few weeks (e.g. every 4-8 weeks) to oxygenate the material and speed up decomposition. The decomposition process will last from 6 to 24 months. Thanks to nitrogen additions from manure, the process can be slightly shorter, but it still requires patience. When the material becomes dark, brittle, with an earthy smell, without visible leaf structures – it means that it is ready for use as fertilizer.
