Thick layers of entire leaves, especially of maples and oaks, can form a soggy mat in winter and spring which can impede the new growth lawn grass and other plants. Dry leaves are used as winter mulches to protect plants from freezing and thawing in areas with cold winters, they are normally removed during spring.

Thick layers of entire leaves, especially of maples and oaks, can
form a soggy mat in winter and spring which can impede the
new growth lawn grass and other plants. Dry leaves are used as
winter mulches to protect plants from freezing and thawing in
areas with cold winters, they are normally removed during spring.