Bagged Leaf Alternatives FAQs
Why recycle and reuse leaves?
Leaves are an important resource that we pickup and throw away every year, which is costly, unsustainable and wastes this valuable resource. During the decomposition process, leaves return valuable nutrients and minerals back to the soil.
What are some "best practices" that can benefit my lawn?
Residents are encouraged to reuse and recycle their leaves in several ways, including mulching, mulching in place, composting, and native landscaping. Check out videos on the leavres page about how to do this in your yard.
What equipment do I need to mulch my leaves?
Homeowners can shred their leaves using a lawn mower with a mulching blade, a leaf shredded, or even a leaf vacuum combined with a leaf shredder. Residents may need to try several mower heights to get the optimal mulching effect on the leaves.
Will shredded leaves harm my lawn?
No. Many professional landscapers have been using this technique for years because it is better for the envirnoment and less expensive. The City of Stamford has found studies that support mulching leaves, including this one from Purdue University: https://turf.purdue.edu/report/1999/page24.htm
The researchers say the takeaway from the study was "The results are very positive and suggest that mulching tree leaves is an economical method of disposal with little risk of decreased turf performance. Our results are similar to those from Michigan State University and Cornell University and we are now very confident in recommending professionals and homeowners to mulch tree leaves into the turf each fall."
What is the optimal size for shredded leaf mulch to work?
Shredded leaves should be no more than 1" square.
Source: https://www.stamfordct.gov/office-of-the-mayor/pages/leaf-pick-up-faqs
Why recycle and reuse leaves?
Leaves are an important resource that we pickup and throw away every year, which is costly, unsustainable and wastes this valuable resource. During the decomposition process, leaves return valuable nutrients and minerals back to the soil.
What are some "best practices" that can benefit my lawn?
Residents are encouraged to reuse and recycle their leaves in several ways, including mulching, mulching in place, composting, and native landscaping. Check out videos on the leavres page about how to do this in your yard.
What equipment do I need to mulch my leaves?
Homeowners can shred their leaves using a lawn mower with a mulching blade, a leaf shredded, or even a leaf vacuum combined with a leaf shredder. Residents may need to try several mower heights to get the optimal mulching effect on the leaves.
Will shredded leaves harm my lawn?
No. Many professional landscapers have been using this technique for years because it is better for the envirnoment and less expensive. The City of Stamford has found studies that support mulching leaves, including this one from Purdue University: https://turf.purdue.edu/report/1999/page24.htm
The researchers say the takeaway from the study was "The results are very positive and suggest that mulching tree leaves is an economical method of disposal with little risk of decreased turf performance. Our results are similar to those from Michigan State University and Cornell University and we are now very confident in recommending professionals and homeowners to mulch tree leaves into the turf each fall."
What is the optimal size for shredded leaf mulch to work?
Shredded leaves should be no more than 1" square.
Source: https://www.stamfordct.gov/office-of-the-mayor/pages/leaf-pick-up-faqs
