a small leaf pile will destroy the grass underneath it quickly, but an even thicker snow pile that lasts for months throughout the winter seems to have no effect. Why?

Question

Editing just to say thanks to everyone who has contributed. The responses make perfect sense!

In: Biology

Answer 1

I think the last thing to add to the aforementioned comments is that, in a leaf pile there is a tonn of life, insects and worms eating away at things, breaking down the leaves, which releases chemicals from the leaves as well as releasing their own faeces and chemicals seeping onto the grass.