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to provide better drainage then a garden soil that may have high clay content," Graper said.
• Tired of Raking Leaves?
Fallen tree leaves can be recycled into your lawn as long as they are not too thick. Graper said mulching can be done by making several passes using a mulching mower or regular rotary mower with the side discharge unit blocked.
• "Recent studies have shown that mulching of

leaves is not detrimental to the turf, and may provide a number of benefits, including increased microbial activity, water infiltration and improved soil structure," he said. "Additionally, nutrients are recycled back into the turf profile."
• Graper added that gardeners can also catch the clippings and ground up leaves and use them for mulch in their garden or as a great addition to the compost pile.
• "I like to use my lawn mower as a leaf shredder and blower all in one," said Graper who mows in circles around trees, directing the discharge chute towards the tree and mulched area that he has around each tree.
• Even though it will probably take several passes to get the leaves all blown where you want them at the base of the tree, Graper said this technique is easier than raking and bagging the leaves and gardeners get the added benefit of recycling nutrients back into their soil.
• Weed Control Tips
Fall is a great time of the year to get caught up on controlling perennial weeds like quack grass, brome grass and thistles, Graper said.
• "Many of these common weeds are quite cold tolerant and able to withstand several light freezes and still have functional leaves and stems that can take up herbi

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