Yes, leaves are an excellent source of organic matter. Most gardeners prefer to use shredded leaves as mulch or a soil amendment. Mulches reduce evaporation from the soil surface, inhibit weed growth, moderates soil temperatures, keep soils from eroding and crusting, and prevent soil compaction. As organic mulches (shredded leaves) decompose, they release valuable nutrients for use by your landscape plants.
For more information on environmentally sound ways to manage leaves in the landscape, visit the Texas A&M University web site: Don't Bag It - Leaf Management Plan.
