Fall is the time for yard clean up! Trim back dying vegetation according to recommended practice for the individual plant. It is also time to plant bulbs for Spring flowers. Leaves are collected and make good compost that can add valuable organic matter to your soil. This benefits the soil in many ways. Adding organic matter helps the soil maintain moisture, and increase the exchange of oxygen necessary for plant growth. It is also essential for maintaining healthy soil microbial populations. The exception to this practice is when you have vegetation from diseased plants or trees. If you noticed leaf spots from mold or other plant disease, don’t compost into soils. Only compost and apply vegetation from healthy trees and plants. This gives you the best chance of not perpetuating the problem!