Shredding Leaves

b54red · November 10, 2009

I have 3 large tulip poplars and each year the leaf problem has become more and more difficult. My lawnmower is a walk behind with a fairly small bag and when I try mulching with it I spend all day emptying the bag because where the leaves are thick I can only mow a few yds before the bag is full. I tried bagging them; but it took almost as long and way too many bags. A friend told me about something one of his co-workers told him so I tried it.
Rake or blow the leaves into piles then take a large wheeled garbage can and fill 3/4 full ( I just lay it on its side and scoop them in), then take your weedeater and rev it up high and just work it into the leaves. It works kinda like an old fashioned milk shake maker. In a few seconds it reduces the leaves to a fine mulch. Keep adding more leaves til the can is getting around half full then dump and start over. I found it works better to use a very big square can like our city uses and I also found a short step stool to be helpful so your face is not too near the top of the can because it can be quite dusty if the leaves are really dry. I found it faster to tap out more line each time so it cut them up faster. This works great for creating mulch or compost material and it is fairly quick and easy. Just thought I'd pass this along in case it helps anyone.

November 10, 2009	#1
b54red Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Alabama Posts: 7,068	Shredding Leaves I have 3 large tulip poplars and each year the leaf problem has become more and more difficult. My lawnmower is a walk behind with a fairly small bag and when I try mulching with it I spend all day emptying the bag because where the leaves are thick I can only mow a few yds before the bag is full. I tried bagging them; but it took almost as long and way too many bags. A friend told me about something one of his co-workers told him so I tried it. Rake or blow the leaves into piles then take a large wheeled garbage can and fill 3/4 full ( I just lay it on its side and scoop them in), then take your weedeater and rev it up high and just work it into the leaves. It works kinda like an old fashioned milk shake maker. In a few seconds it reduces the leaves to a fine mulch. Keep adding more leaves til the can is getting around half full then dump and start over. I found it works better to use a very big square can like our city uses and I also found a short step stool to be helpful so your face is not too near the top of the can because it can be quite dusty if the leaves are really dry. I found it faster to tap out more line each time so it cut them up faster. This works great for creating mulch or compost material and it is fairly quick and easy. Just thought I'd pass this along in case it helps anyone.