For years I couldn’t see the point in collecting fallen leaves, but back then I didn’t realise what a valuable source of free organic matter they are.

I also didn't realise that if not collected, they can damage foliage and lawns beneath with fungal disease or lack of light.

Leaves can be added to the compost heap to counterbalance the mass of green material such as grass clippings, or kept separate and converted into precious leaf mould.

Leaf mould is a great soil improver, which can be either mixed in or left on the surface as a mulch.

It will help break down heavy clay; aid sandy soils to retain moisture and increase worm and microorganism activity in both situations. This will be especially well received if used around trees, shrubs and woodland bulbs.

To make leaf mould: you just need to collect leaves into a bin bag, loosely tie the top and then pierce holes in the sides. The leaves need to be moist, which shouldn’t be a problem at this time of year.

They can then be stacked out of the way for 12-18 months where they will break down. On a larger scale you can create a cage using chicken wire and place the leaves in this, tread down well and cover the top with a sheet of plastic to speed up rotting time.

Shredded leaves will break down much faster so a quick whizz over with the mower will help.

Tools for the job

Rakes - a rubber one is best but a spring-tined one will do. If you like power tools, use a leaf blower to blow into heaps. Large plastic grabbers, which are like extended hands with long fingers, make it easy to lift piles of leaves all in one go, into a barrow, sack or tarpaulin.

Take a break

Leaves can be left in place in areas of rougher grass, orchards and woody/shaded areas. But if access allows, use your mower without the collection hood to finely chop up the leaves directly back into the grass to rot down during the winter.

And don't forget it’s good to leave some areas with leaves to provide a dry habitat for overwintering animals such as hedgehogs.