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We can understand how you might be nervous about how adopting the Leaves: Love 'Em and Leave 'Em (Mulching in Place) program might look in your landscape. So we answer some common questions in the FAQ section below. As we stated earlier, this is not a new program. Mother Nature has been doing it since the beginning of time and many Ewing residents have been managing their autumn leaf drop this way for years! Residents of Westchester County, New York have also been enrolled in a formal Love 'Em and Leave 'Em program since 2012.
So get answers to some of your common questions below. Then try mulching in place, even if it is just on a section of your yard for the first season. We're sure that once you discover how much easier, more cost efficient, and beneficial the program is, you'll be ready and eager to mulch-mow your entire property!
Residents Who Use Landscaping Services
For homeowners who use landscaping services, here's an informative letter that you can give to your landscaper to inform them about the change to the ordinance and how they can adopt these practices. See also our informational page for landscaping services.
All you need are your trusty rake, a mulching mower, leaf shredder or even a weed whacker in a garbage can. A leaf blower or vacuum can help you remove leaves from your beds for shredding.
Regular VS. Mulching Mowers
A regular mower will not give the best results, esp. with deep layers of leaves. This is because the mower will expel the leaves from underneath the deck before they are fully chopped into small shreds. Even with repeated passes over the leaves, the result may not be acceptable. If your current mower is still in good shape we recommend that you purchase a mulching kit accessory for it which closes off the output port of the mower deck, if not, this would be the time to upgrade to a true mulching mower.
Many companies make mulching mowers for both homeowner market and for the professional landscaper market. Such mowers can range between $150 to $350 depending upon brand, size of blade and so forth. (Professional landscaper mowers are typically more expensive.) Mulching mowers can also be found at Home Depot, Lowes, and other similar stores.
We recommend using a high-torque mower for mulching deep piles or wet leaves. If selecting a gas powered mower, a mower with at least 7 ft-lbs of torque be chosen. If selecting an electric mower, a 12 or 14 amp motor is good. Note that some trial and error may be needed to adjust the mower height to an optimum level which balances leaving the grass cut high and keeping the in-process leaf shreds from blowing out too early from under the mower deck. A height of between 2.5"-3" is a good place to start.
Check out the videos below to learn how easy it is for you or your landscaper to implement this program.
Here you will find answers to our most Frequently Asked Questions about Mulching in Place. Should you require further assistance please email the Ewing Green Team or submit a question using our Feedback form.