This question was asked on Horticulture forum. Does anyone here know anything about this? I'm searching, but don't know enough Bio-Chem to have an idea of what to really look for. I applied a mulch of shredded maple and oak leaves last fall. I tilled them in before planting my annual seeds this spring. Most of my seeds are not sprouting. Is there anything in maple and oak leaves that prohibit seed germination?