AT A GLANCE
How long does it take for leaves to turn into soil?
Foliage turns into soil within three years on average. The duration depends on factors such as leaf type, climatic conditions and composting methods. Foliage that rots faster comes from fruit trees, while foliage with a high tannin content takes longer.
On average, how long does it take for leaves to rot?
On average it takes three years, until foliage has transformed into earth. Under certain circumstances, this can also be faster or slower. So you can collect and composted foliage only use it as soil for your plants in the garden after about three years. But it's worth it, because this soil is humic and, due to its acidic pH value, is ideal for plants such as blueberries, lingonberries, potatoes, lettuce and rhododendrons.
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What does the decay time of the foliage depend on?
The duration of decomposition of the foliage depends on several factors away. These include, among other things, the type of foliage, the climatic conditions, the weather conditions and the type of composting. So will your
foliage in the garden rot faster if it's in a plastic bag with holes in it, for example horn shavings(€50.00 at Amazon*) is enriched.Which foliage rots to earth the fastest?
The foliage rots the fastest fruit-trees such as apple, pear and plum. It usually only takes a few months for this foliage to turn into soil. Other deciduous trees such as maple, basswood, ash and birch are also known to have leaves that rot quickly.
Which foliage is slow to turn to earth?
True leaves of chestnut, oak, walnut and sycamore, which are plentiful tannins included, rot very slowly. It can sometimes take up to 5 years for their foliage to fully decompose.
Is it possible to speed up the decay of the foliage?
The decomposition of foliage Can you accelerate using various tools and methods. You can add natural materials to leaf compost and this will boost the decomposition process. The following are suitable:
- Earth
- lime
- rock flour(€11.00 at Amazon*) such as bentonite or zeolite
- horn meal
- lawn clippings
- organic waste
- horse manure
- cattle manure
Furthermore, you can drive a lawn mower over the leaves and thus shred. In crushed form, microorganisms in the foliage can work more effectively and quickly.
Layered composting also helps speed up rotting. Foliage should be layered 5 to 10 cm thick, alternating with other plant debris.
Tip
Moisture drives decomposition
Wet leaves rot faster than dry leaves. It is therefore best to rake up the leaves after a downpour. It is also advisable to water the foliage again and again over the course of the months and years.