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Lexington, Ky

Interested in hearing how others go about the task of collecting and/or mulching leaves.

Last year I used a rake to collect them and a shoulder "mounted" mulcher/bagger to get them in the patch....there has to be a better way......

Jamie

8/17/2006 4:11:19 PM

Little-TON - Colorado

Rake them onto a tarp, then into the garden area no need to waste baggies.......Or collect them from others in the neigborhood then I reuse their bags......Go for maple leaves/ apple leaves,(high in sugar) stay away from russian olive and oak...perhaps nut trees

8/17/2006 4:26:13 PM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

let the neighbors bring them to you :)

8/17/2006 4:33:17 PM

I have landscape cleanup crews drop them by the truckload.

8/17/2006 6:20:29 PM

Lexington, Ky

Am I correct in thinking that mulched leaves might be better than whole leafs? Seems like they would be easier to till in?

Anyone use those Yard Vacs....looks like a lawn mower kinda thing?

Thanks Again;

Jamie

8/17/2006 10:11:49 PM

Michigan

We have a twin collection basket that fits on the back of our riding mower. We just mow over the pile of leaves and voila! They are chopped and bagged, ready to be dumped on the patch

8/18/2006 9:20:59 AM

Salmon Arm, BC

LOL Jamie! Check out my e-mail addy! We have 5 very mature maples and it is a 7 month chore raking them all up! I'm sorry I don't have any easy collection ideas for you but can say this...Maple leaves in particular are better picked up right away,(while they are still crunchy and have contoured shape to them)ie; before they get wet because after a bit they will flatten out and turn into a big mat making it MUCH harder to mulch them. When they are mulched they will decompose much faster than if thrown into your compost or patch whole. Good stuff though and fallen apples as well as the leaves are good also! Just keep telling yourself...It's monster food...It's monster food when you feel like throwing the rake into the middle of the road! Best Wishes...Deb:)

8/18/2006 1:06:22 PM

Williamsburg,KY

We live just outside the city limits and the city picks up leaves from city residents and I just call the crew to deliver bags of leaves to me. I do mulch the leaves before I use them.

8/19/2006 7:49:38 AM

Lexington, Ky

Like the email addy Deb!

Hey Croley, please check out the "KY Growers" post in the "Growing in the Southeast"....need your help!

Jamie

8/19/2006 10:51:34 AM

Sioux Falls, SD [email protected]

I use the tarp idea. ..rake them onto tarp and drag tarp to patch. Mulched break down faster, but not that much. . .but its easier to till if leaves aren't too tough and matted

8/20/2006 12:57:47 AM