A layer of healthy fallen leaves about 10 centimetres thick can protect tree and shrub roots from temperature swings and help retain soil moisture, Tatyana Oleinik, head of the Russian Gardeners’ Union’s regional branch in Crimea, told 360.ru.
Leaves can be used as mulch around the base of trees and shrubs. Oleinik said the cover is especially useful when temperatures shift above and below freezing, and it costs nothing to put in place.
A thick layer should not be left on lawns because the grass can rot beneath it. Before using leaves as mulch, gardeners should inspect them and remove any showing signs of disease or pests to avoid spreading them around the garden.
The gardener also advised people not to leave rotting fruit on their plots. Experts say it can become a breeding ground for pests.