Page 14 - NOV2022

Page 14 NEWFOUNDLAKELIFE.COM November 2022
Community
Various chores are synonymous with certain times of year. For example, clean- ing a pool is a summertime task. In ad- dition, rare is the instance that Mother Nature forces anyone to break out the snow shovels outside of winter. Raking leaves has long been a task for fall after- noons, but homeowners may be surprised to learn that they might be better off put- ting their rakes in permanent mothballs.
In the 1990s, turfgrass specialists at Michigan State University began ex- ploring the potential benefits of leaving mulched leaves on a lawn instead of rak- ing them and leaving them for curbside pickup. While the researchers noticed an obvious leaf residue on the lawn after mulching, they noted that it only sticks around for a few days. Eventually, the tiny pieces sifted down into the lawn, ul- timately serving to control future weed growth while also providing the lawn with essential nutrients. Over time, research- ers noted that homeowners who mulched
rather than raked their leaves needed less fertilizer to give their lawns a green look in spring, saving homeowners the effort and cost associated with fertilizing.
Researchers also noted that decompos- ing pieces of leaves cover up bare spots between turf plants, which have tradition- ally proven to be excellent spots for weed seeds to germinate. In fact, MSU notes that homeowners can expect a nearly 100 percent decrease in dandelions and crab- grass after mulching leaves for just three years.
Depending on the type of mower being used, up to six inches of leaves can be mulched at a time. Push mowers can handle smaller amounts, though can still be as effective as ride-on mowers.
Fall may be synonymous with raking leaves. However, homeowners who want to give their lawns a healthy boost should consider putting their rakes away and mulching their leaves this fall.
How Mulched Leaves Help Your Lawn
Bundle. Save. Simple.
Life can be complicated. I'm here to help simplify your insurance. Plus, the more you protect, the more you can save. Call or stop by today for a free quote.
Sharon Thorne 603-536-5161 Plymouth sthorne@allstate.com allstate.com/sthorne
I'm always here with local advice
you can trust.
Prices vary based on how you buy. Not applicable in CA. Based on coverage selected. Savings vary. Subject to terms, conditions and availability. Allstate Property and Casualty Insurance Co., Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Co. © 2019 Allstate Insurance Co.
Siroiscontracting.com Free Estimates 603-417-1883
Roofing – Siding – Windows – Decks
(603) 254-8620
Remove that stump!
Bill’s Stump Grinding
• Reasonable Rates • Small Portable Machine • Bristol, NH Area •No lawn damage
Free Estimates Insurance References
Total Property Maintenance Services
Fall Clean Up • Mulching
Lawn Care • Dock / Mooring Installation Irrigation Design & Install Hardscape Design & Install
Free Estimates call 603-455-2014 estimating@jmsroofingnh.com | roofreplacementnh.com
13903374