Fall Color to Make Late Appearance in Southeast Wisconsin as More Raking, Leaf Disposal Looms

BROOKFIELD, Wis. - Oct. 24, 2013 - PRLog -- The good news, for lovers of nature’s fall pageantry, is that a wealth of bright, colorful scenery lies ahead. The bad news, for many homeowners, is that more raking and yard work looms as the last leaves finally fall.

Above-average seasonal moisture levels have left many trees green and holding their leaves longer than normal, said Todd Ruedt, a Brookfield resident and owner of Grounds Maintenance Services (http://groundsmaintenancewi.com/). An unexpected late-year tableau of fall color awaits, triggered by the arrival of colder weather.

“There’s still a lot of greenery around, which is odd for so late in the year,” Ruedt (http://groundsmaintenancewi.com/brookfield-landscaper-detail-display.php?side=44&section=taconnect_posts) said. “Many trees that typically drop leaves early have already done so. But other species, such as maples, will offer unusually late splashes of color as leaves finally transform after being hit by freezes.”

Consequently, homeowners will have plenty of work (http://groundsmaintenancewi.com/brookfield-landscaping-se...) when those clinging leaves finally fall. Don’t put away the rakes just yet!

“Given the volume of leaves left on trees, we’re still facing a lot of clean-up,” Ruedt (http://groundsmaintenancewi.com/brookfield-landscaper-det...) said. “Many residents could be racing against time to dispose of leaves before winter weather hits.”

Getting rid of leaves is vital for the health of lawns and plantings. Wet leaves on lawns can kill grass. Accumulated leaves in planting beds become wet matted clumps, and can grow mold within weeks.

Mulching leaves with a lawnmower is an eco-friendly option that creates natural organic fertilizer, Ruedt said. The tiny, mulched leaf material breaks down rapidly and adds nutrients to soil. If leaves are wet, an additional run-through might be needed to shred them thoroughly.

Homeowners can mow leaves as long as grass is still visible beneath the cut-up material, Ruedt said. The green indicates that grass won’t be “suffocated” under a mat of leaves. Mulched leaves can also be spread onto planting beds up to a half-inch deep as fertilizer.

Composting is another “green” alternative to burning leaves or bagging them for recycling. The key to successful composting is turning the material regularly to aerate it, Ruedt said. Compost containers can be purchased in garden or home improvement stores. Homebuilt compost bins should be staked off and fenced with chicken-wire mesh, to both hold the material and keep out animals.

Founded in 1999, Grounds Maintenance Services (http://groundsmaintenancewi.com/brookfield-landscaper-top...) offers fall clean-up services, landscaping and yard maintenance, plus in-home Christmas tree delivery, holiday lighting setup and snow plowing. Its professional staff prides itself on helping homeowners grow their dreams, one yard at a time.