Leaves (growing, Forsythia, 2015, grass)

[tom1944]

We have a wooded area where we planted many woodland types shrubs. How much of the leaves can we let stay in that area.

[luv4horses]

All of them can stay. People only get rid of leaves so that grass can grow or to prevent smothering of ornamentals that might get covered totally by the leaves. In nature leaves on the ground are washed by rains and the minerals leach back into the ground, to be taken up by the roots of plants growing there. Nitrogen, potassium and all kinds of micronutrients. Mold and leaf enzymes help to liberate all that good stuff.

[harry chickpea]

Depends on the shrubs and the type of trees. Pine needles are acid and great for blueberries, Walnuts have chemicals that can sometimes kill other vegetation, etc.

[tom1944]

Azalea, holly, forsythia, pieris (sp) and rhododendrons

The trees include an old apple tree and just general scrub trees and one large maple

The area is the old wind break of a farm

[no kudzu]

here ya go.

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[harry chickpea]

Originally Posted by tom1944

Azalea, holly, forsythia, pieris (sp) and rhododendrons

The trees include an old apple tree and just general scrub trees and one large maple

The area is the old wind break of a farm

If the area is "woodland" just leave those (sorry for the pun). However be on the lookout for trash plants like poison ivy or Virginia creeper getting a start.

[tom1944]

We have dealt with the poison ivy. Took a while but it is gone

[North Beach Person]

Originally Posted by tom1944

We have dealt with the poison ivy. Took a while but it is gone

Maybe. Birds will, and other wildlife, will bring seeds in from elsewhere.

As far as your original question, since this is a wooded area, let Nature take its course.

[southernnaturelover]

If there's any disease problems with the apple tree I'd rake those in a pile and burn them (if allowed). Maple leaves are fine to leave on the ground, they decompose fairly rapidly.

[Ellwood]

We were advised by nursery to remove leaves that cover the majority of the grass and then towards the end of the leaves falling, mulch the rest. Too many leaves left over the winter will kill your grass.