Leaf Mould

Is there a particular fungi you can add to shredded leaves to speed up the decomposing process?  i know leaf mould making is a slower process than composting and works on fungi not bacteria.  I have massive amounts of leaves ( mainly maple and alil oak) to rake each year and to start adding them to my garden.

I wonder whether it makes more sense to keep the leaves seperate for leaf mold or whether adding them to the general compost makes more sense, for quicker results?  I'm guessing either is fine.  Sorry that doesn't answer your question, but your question made me think of it and its related, so hopefully both of us will get answers.

From similar threads here:

Daron Williams wrote:My understanding is that the fungi needed to break down the leaves will already be on the leaves so you don't need to introduce new fungi for the leaf mold process to work. That being said I don't see any harm in adding additional fungi to the mix, though some that grow great on the ground might not do as well in a pile of leaves.

That would be my guess too. The leaves are unlikely to be sterile and will already have a population of fungal spores. I'm not aware of anyone culturing leaf eating fungal for sale.....I'd be inclined to try and be patient and leave it to nature.

Riona - have a read of that thread too as I think it answers your question (and a few more). Yes you can add leaves to compost, they generally act as 'browns' in autumn (fall) since they are a carbon source, hence needing the fungi to decompose, rather than bacteria in a hot composting system.

I have had good luck with winecaps in mixed bark/wood chip/leave piles. I haven't tried it with JUST leaves. I think it would be worth a test?

My experience is that chopping or crinkling the leaves, even a little bit is more important than anything.  

What worked for me was to put a electric weed whacker with the nylon extended as far as the device allows in an empty but clean plastic garbage can.  Pour the leaves around it and fill up the can.

Flip the switch and slowly pull the machine to the top.  Maybe stirring a little.

It’s not necessary to turn the leaves into confetti.  Just mess them up.

Really makes a difference in the speed of decomposition.