Introduction
As fall settles in, many gardeners find themselves with an abundance of leaves and wood trimmings from seasonal cleanup. Rather than discarding these materials, they can actually be valuable resources in the garden if used wisely. But, there’s a lot of conflicting advice out there about whether leaves and wood chips help or harm plants. Here, we’ll dig into the facts and debunk some myths about using these natural materials effectively to enrich your soil, control weeds, and support a healthy garden.

1. Fact or Fiction: Leaves Are Just Free Mulch?

• Fact: Fallen leaves can indeed make an excellent, natural mulch, providing a rich source of organic matter and nutrients as they break down. Mulching with leaves helps insulate soil, conserve moisture, and reduce weed growth. However, make sure to shred them first if you plan to use them as mulch; whole leaves can mat down, blocking water and air.
• Fiction: Leaves left whole will decompose quickly. In reality, whole leaves break down much slower and may smother plants beneath them. Shredding allows them to decompose faster, creating a rich, nutrient-filled layer that supports earthworms and beneficial microorganisms.

2. Fact or Fiction: Wood Chips Rob the Soil of Nitrogen?

• Fact: Wood chips used as mulch on the surface don’t significantly deplete nitrogen in the soil below. Studies show that nitrogen depletion happens mainly at the soil surface as wood breaks down, but this effect is minimal and typically won’t impact root zones.
• Fiction: Wood chips mixed into the soil can be beneficial. When mixed in, wood chips can create a nitrogen deficiency, especially for young plants. Instead, keep wood chips as a surface mulch layer to enhance soil health, improve moisture retention, and encourage beneficial fungi.

3. Fact or Fiction: Leaves Are “Too Acidic” for the Garden?

• Fact: While leaves from certain trees, like oaks, are slightly acidic, they don’t significantly affect soil pH when used as mulch. Over time, as leaves decompose, their pH naturally stabilizes, and any initial acidity has little impact on the overall soil composition.
• Fiction: Acidic leaves will harm plants. In reality, most garden plants tolerate slightly acidic conditions well, and many even thrive. Using leaves from a mix of tree species further neutralizes any effects of acidity.

4. Fact or Fiction: Fresh Wood Chips Are Bad for the Garden?

• Fact: Fresh wood chips can be beneficial in pathways, around trees, and in perennial beds, especially if they come from a mix of tree types. Fresh chips support fungal networks that can improve soil health and build soil structure over time.
• Fiction: Fresh wood chips should never be used. While it’s true that fresh chips are best avoided around annual vegetables or delicate seedlings due to potential allelopathic (growth-inhibiting) compounds, they’re generally safe around mature plants. Composting fresh chips for a few months can further reduce any risks.

5. Fact or Fiction: Leaves and Wood Chips Attract Pests?

• Fact: Properly used leaves and wood chips create a healthy ecosystem that actually discourages pest infestations. They provide habitat for beneficial insects like ground beetles and help build healthier soil, which supports resilient plants.
• Fiction: Mulching with leaves and wood chips will invite unwanted pests. Pests are more likely to affect unhealthy plants. Mulch, when managed well, fosters a balanced environment that keeps pest populations in check.

In Conclusion
Using leaves and wood chips in the garden can offer fantastic benefits when used correctly. Shredded leaves provide excellent mulch, while wood chips—especially in perennial beds—support soil health. By separating fact from fiction, you can use these organic materials to your advantage, helping create a thriving, low-maintenance garden that benefits from nature’s resources.