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Lodi, California

I have been looking at several leaf shredders and I was wondering something that I was not quite sure of. Some shredders have a mulching ratio of 1:10. Others have a mulching ratio of as much as 1:30. If the 1:30 leaves are 3 times smaller than the 1:10 leaves does that mean I can add 3 times less leaves to the soil than the 1:10 ratio leaves? Or do I add the same amount since the surface area of the leaf is larger and they decompose faster? Thank you!

8/18/2013 6:08:05 AM

Lodi, California

Also the thought of this is quite scary since I need 6 yards of leaves and one yard of shredded leaves is equivalent to 30 yards of not yet shredded leaves, meaning I would have to shred about 180 yards of leaves unless the going rate went down.

8/18/2013 6:13:19 AM

Rhode Island

ashton
a better alternative would be to see if there is a leaf composting facility within your area?

we have been purchasing fully composted leaf compost for several years now.very-very benefical product and besides, you would need tons and tons of leaves to break down to equal a couple dump truck loads of finished product for your gardens.

also, its just not worth doing a home compost pile when you need a large quantity for a giant pumpkin patch.
the only way this would work is if you have a lot of equipment and access to a lot of composting material.

pap

8/18/2013 9:57:47 AM

Lodi, California

Pap,

I do not know of a leaf composting facility. If I can't get the compost, should I just till in the leaves? I have about 200 maple trees in the area and the local golf course has a couple acres of grass, but I do not have the equipment to turn and take care of this much compost.

8/18/2013 11:29:28 AM

Lodi, California

oh, i have found regular compost and composted manure. Can i mix that with maybe an inch or two of leaves and till it into the soil? Thank you!

8/18/2013 11:55:03 AM

Rhode Island

ashton
leaves mixed in with compost and tilled under this fall will breakdown before spring-so yes you could do that.

if possible id try and run a lawn mower over the leaves before tilling under ---they will break down much faster being cut up.
pap

8/20/2013 5:00:51 PM

Mnt.pleasant ,tennessee

200 maple trees in the area. go get paid for your compost.i do :).got a pushmower with a bagger? If city comes by &picks up leaves ask'em were they dump.like pap said run over stuff ,put on patch&mulch away.

8/20/2013 7:15:22 PM

Lodi, California

i am using a shredder. thank you.

8/21/2013 8:27:08 PM