By Paul Delagrange, Area Manager
Each fall, the trees are blanketed with a spectacular display of color, followed quickly by a sea of fallen leaves. For property owners and managers, the question we are tasked with answering is how best to deal with them. Traditional leaf removal—raking, hauling, and disposing—has long been considered the standard approach. But with evolving environmental regulations, sustainability goals, and smarter turf management practices, there’s a better way forward. At Ruppert Landscape, we focus on leaf management rather than just removal, turning what was once considered waste into a valuable resource for soil health, plant vigor, and long-term cost savings.
Timing & Strategy
Many maintenance contracts call for “three leaf removals” in the fall. While this works as a budgeting framework, it doesn’t always reflect the best way to manage leaves on a property. Instead, our teams take a more flexible approach, beginning as early as late summer when heat stress, drought, or pests can cause premature leaf drop.
Every property is unique, so we work with stakeholders to determine the best strategy. Generally, here’s how we manage leaves throughout the season:
Blow first, mow second. Leaves on hard surfaces—walkways, parking lots, roads—are blown into open turf areas or designated buffer zones/naturalized areas, with client approval. Then, the turf is mowed, chopping leaves into fine particles that filter back into the soil.- Repeat weekly. This blow-then-mow cycle is repeated on each maintenance visit, typically every 7–10 days. As the season progresses and leaf volume increases, mowing frequency often increases as well.
- Switch when needed. By mid- to late November, the volume of leaves often becomes too great to mulch effectively. At this stage, we transition to removing leaves off-site to be composted using vacuum equipment or tarped production trucks.
Blow first, mow second. Leaves on hard surfaces—walkways, parking lots, roads—are blown into open turf areas or designated buffer zones/naturalized areas, with client approval. Then, the turf is mowed, chopping leaves into fine particles that filter back into the soil.Lasting Benefits
Leaf management not only reduces costs and environmental impact but also enhances soil health and prepares landscapes for long-term success. Research from leading universities supports mulching as a beneficial practice when paired with proper turf care. Benefits include:
- Reduced reliance on supplemental nitrogen fertilizer
- Improved soil structure, organic matter, and nutrient retention, leading to better root zone development and healthier/denser turf over time
- Creating a natural mulch barrier which has the potential to suppress weeds such as crabgrass and dandelions in the spring
Regional Considerations
The Mid-Atlantic’s climate, species diversity, and regulations make leaf management more complex than in other regions. Here are some key factors:
- Seasonal Timing. Leaf drop here often starts in October and stretches into December, with oaks and sycamores among the last to shed. A phased approach prevents overwhelming buildup and ensures properties remain safe and attractive.
- Species-Specific Considerations. Hardwoods such as oaks and hickories have tougher leaves that break down more slowly, requiring additional mowing or partial removal. Fallen leaves can also harbor diseases like anthracnose, so in high-risk sites, more aggressive removal may be warranted.
- Soil & Water Quality. Mulched leaves add valuable organic matter to the region’s often acidic soils. However, too much buildup in low areas can cause drainage issues, so balance is key. In areas governed by Chesapeake Bay watershed regulations, mulching can also help reduce the use of synthetic fertilizers and nutrient runoff.
- Regulations & Municipal Programs. Since many municipalities prohibit leaves in landfills, disposal is typically limited to composting or municipal pickup. This makes mulching and on-site recycling even more attractive options for budgeting reasons.
Seasonal Timing. Leaf drop here often starts in October and stretches into December, with oaks and sycamores among the last to shed. A phased approach prevents overwhelming buildup and ensures properties remain safe and attractive.Communication Is Key
Because many people are accustomed to “hauling everything away,” education is an important part of our process. We set expectations early in the season, using photos, progress updates, and clear comparisons to help clients see the benefits of leaf management. Our priority is always high-traffic areas and entrances, but with careful planning, less visible zones can serve as natural recycling areas.
Fallen leaves don’t have to be a problem; in fact, they can be part of the solution. By blending mulching, targeted blowing, and selective removal, Ruppert Landscape helps our client’s properties remain safe, attractive, and sustainable throughout the fall season.