Leaf mold in mulch ?

goldenjes

I know that leaf mold is a really good thing in composted mulch, but is it still good to have while it's molding?

Our neighbor knows a guy with a tree removal business, and he dumped a full load (huge!) in the cul-de-sac for us both to use.  It seems to be a mix of cottonwood (still has some seeds), aspen, pine, and possibly elm or something similar.

I'm stoked that we get all of this for free, but DH was worried about putting it straight into our newly planted beds since there is quite a bit of leaf mold.  I thought it would be fine, and hope I'm right.

FoxinFiji

Actually mold on decaying leaves is not called leaf mold.  I know weird. 

Leaf mold = the actual decaying leaves or already decayed leaves

Mold on you compost is totally find just turn it and mix it in with the soil.  Odds are it will die when you put it in a new location (it might have been in a shady spot before).  People in the gardening community call leaf mold black gold because it is so beneficial to the plants.  That's exciting that you got so much of it already to use!  We started a leaf mold pile last year but I haven't used any of it yet. 

goldenjes

I am actually really excited to cover my garden area with this and let finish decaying after the harvest.  The crazy thing is the tree guy can't seem to get rid of this stuff - he often has to pay to dump it somewhere so he was happy to drop it off for us.

FoxinFiji

Wow that is crazy!  Around here if people don't want their leaves they can take them to one of the county dump sites where they add it to the compost.  We just picked up a trailer full of compost for only $5!  Whoot!  They are both awesome for the plants.