
While leaving fallen leaves in the garden isn't typically harmful, it is a good idea to clear them away when they start to get soggy. They can pose a slipping hazard, especially when the weather gets frosty. It's also a good idea to clear them from lawns as they can block light reaching the roots, resulting in brown and yellow patches.
According to Cobra, a leading garden tool retailer, collecting leaves can be turned into mulch, an "effective" method for plant care in the winter season. They said: "Although fallen leaves may be seen as troublesome to some gardeners, they can be used as an effective, natural and free mulch."
This organic matter can be distributed over grassy areas, flowerbeds and even within small plant pots to protect plants from the cold winter weather.
According to the experts, three main areas in the garden benefit from mulching, including the lawn.
They said: "It's important to remove fallen leaves from lawns as quickly as possible, as they can easily suffocate the grass, starving it of oxygen and eventually killing it. However, removal isn't the only answer.
"Mowing them into your lawn using a mulching mower that returns the cuttings to the soil can provide a great soil conditioner and will aid in moisture retention, keeping it healthy during the winter."
Gardeners can also make shredded mulch by using freshly raked leaves and running all the dry ones through a shredder. Do not use wet leaves, as this could harm the machine.

This method of mulching is another useful resource in the garden. It can help insulate plant roots without blocking essential nutrients, water, and air.
The experts also suggested sprinkling the shredded mulch around delicate plants and pressing it into the soil to decompose.
The third and most common way to use unwanted leaves is composting. This is an eco-friendly process that turns organic materials like leaves and kitchen scraps into nutrient-rich soil.
The experts said: "Fallen leaves are the perfect source for making compost. For the most nutritious and effective compost, mix moist but not wet leaves with green materials such as grass clippings and vegetable peelings."
Be sure to mix your compost at least once a month to allow for the regular circulation of oxygen.
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