Hello,

Yes, you're correct! Adding fertilizer high in nitrogen can help speed up the decomposition of leaves. Leaves are high in carbon but low in nitrogen, so adding nitrogen helps balance the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, accelerating decomposition.

Steps to Speed Up Decom"color: rgb(192, 80, 77);">Mulch the Leaves: Use a lawn mower to shred the leaves into smaller pieces. This increases the surface area and helps them break down faster.

Add Nitrogen Fertilizer: Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to the leaves. A general recommendation is to use about 1 cup of nitrogen fertilizer per 25 square feet of leaf material.

Turn the Pile: Periodically turn the leaf pile to ensure proper aeration, which is crucial for decomposition.

Keep Moist: Ensure the pile stays moist but not waterlogged. This helps maintain the right environment for decomposition.

Following these steps, you should see the leaves decompose more quickly, enriching your soil and benefiting your lawn.

Also, keep this in mind:

Yes, using a high-nitrogen fertilizer can help speed up the decomposition of leaves, but it's important to be cautious to avoid fertilizer burn. Fertilizer burn occurs when too much nitrogen overwhelms the grass roots, causing the grass to turn brown or yellow and potentially die.

Tips to Avoid Fertilizer Burn:

Follow Instructions: Use the recommended amount of fertilizer and follow the instructions on the label.

Water After Application: Water the lawn thoroughly after applying the fertilizer to help dilute the nitrogen and reduce the risk of burn.

Use Slow-Release Fertilizer: Consider using a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer, which provides a steady supply of nitrogen over time rather than a quick, overwhelming burst.

Monitor the Lawn: Keep an eye on your lawn for any signs of stress or burn, and adjust your application if necessary.

By following these precautions, you can help ensure that your lawn stays healthy while the leaves decompose more quickly.

I hope this helps!