Mulch Leaves First and then Apply Winterizer (Fertilizer/Weed Control)

Hi. I plan to use my mulching mower to mulch the leaves into my front and back lawn. I am waiting for the majority of leaves in my area to fall before I do this mulching.

I purchased and plan on spreading a winterizer (fertilizer/weed control) on my front lawn. Do you think it is better for me to mulch the leaves first and then apply the winterizer or do you think it is better to apply the winterizer first and then mulch the leaves into the lawn?

I live in New Jersey. I have three trees on my front lawn and two trees on the back lawn. With the leaves from my trees as well as the leaves that blow from my neighbors onto my lawn, I will end up with a decent amount of leaves on the lawns.

Thank you for your advice.

 

If there aren't many leaves on the lawn, I'd fertilize first but if the lawn is covered with leaves it would be better mulch them first.

 

Thank you Marksr. That is kind of what I was thinking too.

 

I think you ought to be commended for being willing to chop up the leaves.

I like to think of leaves as being comprised of molecular material that your trees brought up from subterranean areas where your grass roots could never reach, and the sub-surface earthworms will feast on and break that material down into the nitrogen fertilizer and other plant food that is so valuable that it can't be bought. Chopped up, they'll disappear (visually) in just a week or so.

Meanwhile, I can't say I've ever utilized any "Winterizer" when living in Wisconsin, California, Illinois, Massachusetts, or lately for the past 29 years, here in Vermont. Here's a little write-up on Winterizer for your perusal:

The Myth of Winterizer Fertilizers

Whatever you do, don't apply any harsh chemicals that will harm or kill off the worm population; they provide a lot of "free" fertilizer.

 

Good luck. If I waited that long to mulch mine I'd be drowning in leaves.
I don't mulch all of mine into the lawn. I also have a chipper/shredder and send many thru there.

 

Actually I would not fertilize this late in the year, grass will soon go dormant and fertilizer will have no benefit.

My last application is in early October!


Mulch away!!

 

Around here, you can fertilize thru November. Depends on latitude.
You could also consider aerating the lawn after mulching and then put down the fertilizer.