LINCOLN SQUARE — Leaf blowers suck.
That's not a judgment, it's a fact — many leaf blower models come equipped with a reverse setting and a vacuum attachment, which allows weekend landscape warriors to suck up leaves instead of blowing them into the neighbor's yard.
Built-in shredders not only reduce the volume of the leaves but create compost and mulch.
As mulch, shredded leaves can replace wood chips in planting beds and help prevent weeds.
In terms of creating compost, experts say the leaves of most trees contain twice as many minerals as manure and improve all soil types, from clay to sandy.
If composting seems too complicated, leaf mold is an excellent compromise. Take those shredded leaves, make sure they're dampened, and place them in a circular enclosure (snow fencing works great).
Come spring, the resulting matted leaf mold can be used as a hyper-absorbent mulch, retaining up to 500 percent of its weight in water, according to experts.
For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here.
