In the fall, I saddle up my white steed, which happens to be a 2007 hatchback, toss in several plastic trash bags and a short-handled rake, and become the Leaf Ranger. I drive through subdivisions and neighborhoods in search of fallen leaves, determined to retrieve them so I can recycle them into my garden and landscape. Unlike the Lone Ranger who rode with Tonto, I have no faithful companion by my side. I don’t have any room. It’s just me and as many bags of leaves that I can fit into my car without hampering my ability to drive.
The Lawn Ranger accepts leaves bagged in paper or plastic.
Bob Polomski, ©2023, Clemson Extension
Although I prefer to collect bagged leaves–plastic or paper is fine, piles are not a problem. It takes a while to rake and stuff the leaves into bags, which sometimes results in encounters with the leaf owners. Fortunately, I never had an unpleasant experience. Sometimes, people will ask me what I’m doing, but oftentimes, I receive the “you want ’em—have ’em” look as I work quickly to gather the leaves from their property.
I haven’t seen or smelled any leaf burnings this fall. Burning leaves wastes a valuable resource and can be dangerous, especially during this warm, dry fall season.
Whether I use the leaves or share them with friends, they usually end up as mulch or compost. For that coarse-textured look, mulch with leaves right out of the bag. For a finer-textured look, shred the leaves with a lawn mower or a leaf shredder. Finely cut leaves look more attractive and tend to stay where you put them. Remember to apply a three-inch layer of shredded leaves a hand’s width from the trunks of your shrubs and trees. Try to extend the mulch layer to the outermost branches or driplines of your trees.
Raked leaves in compost pile.
Bob Polomski, ©2023, Clemson Extension
Slow composting converts leaves to “black gold,” which makes an attractive mulch and an inexpensive soil amendment.
Bob Polomski, ©2023, Clemson Extension
If you prefer to compost your leaves and convert them to “black gold,” see HGIC 1600, Composting, for more information. Compost can be used as an attractive mulch that will help suppress weeds, conserve soil moisture, and keep the soil cool during the summer months. It can also be used as a soil conditioner to improve drainage in clay soils and water retention in sandy soils.
While this article may not inspire you to be a Leaf Ranger like me, I hope it inspires you to recycle your leaves at home. Hi yo’ Silver!”
