Leaves and Mulch

by Wayland
(Houston, TX)

I am about to put down some new bark mulch. I left leaves from the trees on the beds throughout the winter. Can I simply place the new bark mulch over the leaves, some partially decomposed, or should I clear the leaves and then place the mulch on the beds?

Doug is a lazy gardener and has worms to do the leaf hauling for him. Personally, I'd allow the leaves to stay in place and simply top up the mulch over top of them. The worms should get the rest of the leaves this year.