Should I rake up the dead leaves and tree debris that collects under my oaks?
Leave the natural leaf litter to blanket the soil. It helps to conserve soil moisture, reduce soil temperature, and provides essential nutrients upon breakdown. It is also an important food source for earthworms and other beneficial soil organisms, which improve soil aeration and ultimately root health. Try to keep the soil surface beneath oaks mulched with 2-3 inches of coarse, organic mulch such as natural leaf litter, shredded or chipped bark, wood chips, etc. Unless incorporated into the soil there is no need to add nitrogen to non-composted mulch. Be careful not to place the mulch directly against the trunk. Avoid the use of weed-inhibiting plastic tarping. Solid sheeting reduces the availability of air and water to the roots, and the impervious material interferes with natural nutrient recycling.
