Each fall, it seems as though everyone has a different opinion on the best way to dispose of leaves. Is it quicker to bag or to mulch? What should you do if there is no city-mandated leaf pickup? Should you shred leaves before hauling them away? Because every yard and leaf removal situation is different, no one method is correct. There are, however, various factors that will help you determine which leaf disposal method is best for you.
How to Dispose of Leaves: Mulching
When dealing with light leaf coverage, consider mulching leaves with your lawn mower. Simply mow your lawn as you normally would, chopping leaves as you go. Along with grass clippings, finely-chopped leaves will naturally decompose, allowing nutrients to reach your soil and improve the health of your lawn. Be sure to keep up with leaves as they fall, or you may end up with dense leaf piles that contribute to thatch and do not break down as easily. If this is the case, you may prefer one of the alternative cleanup methods mentioned below.
How to Dispose of Leaves: Curbside Pickup
Many towns and cities offer curbside leaf pickup during fall months, making leaf removal and disposal easy for residents. Research your town’s guidelines to learn if seasonal leaf pickup is available in your area—if it is, invest in a powerful leaf blower to blow leaves onto a large tarp. Drag the tarp to the curb, then wait for your local collection service to show up and take the leaves away!
How to Dispose of Leaves: Bagging
For areas that do not offer open curbside pickup, bagging is a popular and eco-friendly alternative. Using a leaf blower or rake, gather leaves into piles and dispose into paper lawn and leaf compost bags (you can also gather leaves using the vacuum function on certain leaf blowers). Unlike plastic trash bags, compost bags will decompose over time (along with any organic debris you put inside of them). You can also maximize bag space by shredding leaves before disposing of them, compacting yard debris down to a fraction of its original size.
How to Dispose of Leaves: Compost
If you’re looking for a way to speed up leaf decomposition in your own yard, you may choose to add shredded leaves to your compost bin. Use leaves over time as needed to mulch your flower beds for the winter, or fertilize your gardens in the spring.
For more fall cleanup advice, click here to watch our Buyer’s Guide to Lawn and Leaf Blowers. Questions? Click here to contact us.
You May Also Enjoy These Articles:
Buyer’s Guide to Lawn and Leaf Blowers
How to Maintain the Perfect Lawn
Changing Seasons – Changing Landscapes
Essential Equipment for Lawn Maintenance
How to Store Small Engine Equipment for Winter
Why Weingartz?
Weingartz, family owned and operated, began in 1945 as a farm supply store for local Michigan families. In the 1970s, we began to focus exclusively on outdoor power equipment. Over time, we morphed into the “power equipment superstore” that now defines all of our locations. The staff and experts at Weingartz work diligently to provide the best service possible and give honest and helpful advice to each and every customer.
Weingartz also sells parts for all outdoor power equipment at https://weingartz.com/parts-lookup.
Weingartz
46061 Van Dyke Ave.
Utica, MI 48317
(586) 731-7240
info@weingartz.com
Connect With Us!
https://plus.google.com/+weingartz
https://www.facebook.com/WeingartzLawnToSnow
https://www.twitter.com/Weingartz
http://pinterest.com/MrWeingartz
Sign up for our electronic monthly newsletter for discounts and money-saving tips.
Great sales people. I had all the information with a smile. Wonderful advice too.Last year I bought my first equipment(Chain Saw) and I tried to start it wrongly there by flooded the engine. When I took it to Weingarz they smilingly de-flooded the engine and taught me how to start it correctly. I was so impressed I bought the Snow Blower and Lawn mower from them. Apart from chain saw which is doing a wonderful job I am really impressed by the Toro Super Recycler by it’t mulching. I had lots of leaves and was debating whether to bag or mulch. Decided to test the SUPER RECYCLER. I was amazed by the result. It was so clean and neat. I must thank the sales person at Weingarz, Mr. Gary Crabtree who guided us through our purchasing needs (always with smile). By the way it was Gary who de-flooded my chain saw and taught me the correct way of starting it. I am sure the Snow Blower will do an excellent job too this winter.
Thanks for sharing, Ravikara–we’re glad we were able to help! We will pass these comments along to our team. Please let us know if there is anything else we can assist with, and thanks again!