Leaves are an abundant source of compost material in East Texas. Rather than bag yours and set them out for the refuse collectors, add them to your compost pile.
Shredding the leaves speeds up the decomposition process. You can either use a chipper-shredder (they can be rented if you don't own one) or mow over the leaves on your lawn before raking them up. Once shredded, you can add your leaves to an existing compost pile, pile them up by themselves, or place them in lawn and leaf bags; adding moisture to the bags will facilitate decomposition.
Before hot weather arrives next summer, your leaves should be ready to apply as a three-inch layer of mulch. You plants, shrubs, and ornamental trees will appreciate the mulch application and the landfill will also benefit from your effort.
Ray Metcalf, Smith County Master Gardener
Compost Index
Gardening Tips For Northeast Texas Index
East Texas Piney Woods Gardening Home Page