Tis the season for Autumn leaves, here’s what you can do

As we embrace the new season of Autumn and the array of reds and yellows strewn from the over 3 million indigenous trees in our city of Joburg, we’re happy to share a few valuable hacks to deal with your fallen leaves and how these can work for you.

Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo (JCPZ), the entity responsible for the oversight of green spaces, including parks, cemeteries, nature reserves, and the Johannesburg Zoo, is encouraging residents to use this time to make the most of your falling leaves.

As an entity, we have received an increase in the number of requests during autumn and winter for the removal of trees stemming from fallen leaves and the apparent cause of damage to lawns, drainage systems and blockages of filter pools, etc. Instead of removing a healthy life-giving tree in your neighborhood, here’s what you can do to preserve your tree and use its fallen leaves to conserve the environment.

As much as they are perceived to be a nuisance, dead leaves are perfect for your gardens and soil as they contribute to its fertility. 

Decomposed leaves add to the natural matter in your garden soil and improve its ability to produce healthy and nutritious produce during harvest time, while retaining water during the dry season.

JCPZ is discourages residents from burning leaves during Autumn as this poses several risks including: -

• Health hazards - releasing harmful chemicals into the atmosphere causing breathing problems.
• Fire hazards – burning leaves can start wildfires and pose danger to homes and lives.

Burning leaves is a threat to the environment, releasing harmful gases such as carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, adversely affects wildlife, vegetation, ecosystems and biodiversity. JCPZ’s ongoing tree planting campaigns offsets these risks, so instead of burning your autumn leaves, use them to your benefit or collect leaves and place bags out on refuse collection days.

What is mulch? It’s very simple, mulch is any environmentally friendly material that covers the surface of your garden soil, like fallen leaves, plant debris, vegetable peels, etc.

Why mulch?

• Mulching reduces the stubborn weeds that require light to thrive.
• It reduces the loss of water from the surface and retains soil moisture.
• Keeps temperatures moderate.
• Prevents erosion.
• Protects sensitive plants from cold winter temperatures.

When mulching, use organic mulch and/or the leaves in your garden instead of
trashing your veggie peels, grass cuttings and leaves, mix these with compost for
additional nutrients for natural and healthy compost.

Harvest time might seem a long way off but if you’re an avid gardener, it’s best to prepare your soil now.

For more information, please visit our website and social media platforms, we’re a click away.