Dead leaves are considered brown compost material, not green.
Here's why:
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Brown vs. Green Materials: In composting, materials are generally categorized as either "browns" or "greens." This refers to their carbon-to-nitrogen ratio.
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Brown Materials: Browns are carbon-rich and provide energy for the composting microorganisms. Examples include:
- Dead leaves
- Dried grass
- Shredded cardboard
- Wood chips
- Newspaper
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Green Materials: Greens are nitrogen-rich and provide protein for the microorganisms. Examples include:
- Grass clippings
- Vegetable scraps
- Fruit peels
- Coffee grounds
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Dead Leaves as Browns: Dead leaves, especially dry ones, are high in carbon, making them an excellent source of brown material for balancing the nitrogen from green materials in a compost pile. They contribute to good aeration and structure within the compost.
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Leaf Type Considerations: Most dead leaves are suitable for composting; however, some, like walnut leaves, should be used cautiously or avoided unless thoroughly composted, as they contain compounds that can inhibit plant growth.
In summary, when composting, consider dead leaves a valuable "brown" ingredient to help create rich, fertile compost.
