Before you know it, winter will have come and passed again. In its wake, winter leaves behind a mini mountain of dead leaves that you need to get rid of.
If you live in an area surrounded by trees, you surely know what I'm referring to. Since I actively spend most of my free time planting trees, shrubs, and flowers, I need to deal with getting rid of dead leaves after every winter.
Until last winter, I would hire a kind, young man to rake up the leaves from my yard and collect and dispose of them. However, this time around, I decided to do something different. After extensive research, I finally decided to purchase a leaf mulcher to help me do this myself.
I'm Stacy! And today, I'm here to talk about the best leaf mulcher you can purchase for your yard!Best 5 Leaf Mulcher Reviews
1. Landworks Leaf Mulcher
My first recommendation for you is the Landworks Leaf Mulcher. I highly recommend it because of its quiet operation and the fact that it doesn't emit smog or any toxic chemicals. Not only is it eco-friendly, but also extremely efficient in shredding small twigs and leaves.
Product Highlights
Landworks is a reliable, trustworthy company that innovates in outdoor power equipment. I had seen my neighbor using this leaf mulcher and enquired about it, curious to see if it would be right for my needs.
It is powered by a 15-AMP 1800 Watt 120VAC 60Hz electric belt-driven motor. I know this sounds overly technical, and trust me, even I didn't understand much of what it means. However, when I saw her using this device last fall, I realized that these figures roughly translate to a powerful motor designed to handle small twigs, branches, and leaves (of 0.5" diameter) with ease.
I found it intriguing that, unlike other gas-driven machines, this one did not produce any smoke, odors, or smog. That's when my neighbor told me that this incredible leaf mulcher was completely eco-friendly - perfect for an environment-conscious individual like myself.
What I like about it
A highlight of this leaf mulcher is its quiet operation. This is important to me because I live in a community and don't want to disturb my neighbors as I shred and mulch my garden waste.
I also liked the included waste bag attached to the back of this mulcher. All the shredded waste is neatly deposited into the replaceable waste bag, making it easier to dispose of the leaves once it's done.
I must add, this is the only leaf mulcher that comes with wheels for easy transportation!
What not to like about it
Honestly, I was not a big fan of the fact that the mulcher would often get clogged, especially with wet leaves. While this is avoidable most of the time, it's not always practical to wait for leaves and twigs to dry completely before placing them in the mulcher.
Moreover, it cannot tolerate medium-sized twigs and branches; it will just choke up. So, it is best used with smaller garden waste.
Pros and Cons of Landworks Leaf Mulcher
Pros
Cons
- SPECIFICATIONS - This All Electric Leaf Mulcher Shredder is designed w/ a durable Heavy Duty Steel Upper Feeding port & Body. We are powering this machine with all powerful 15-AMP 1800 Watt 120VAC 60Hz Electric Belt Driven motor, capable of 0.5”inch (12.7mm) MAX Diameter small branches/ twigs. Providing consistent speeds with (3) 11" (280mm) inch blades gyrating at 4,100RPMs. Unlike gasoline powered chippers this electric Leaf Mulcher produces no smog & is quieter, making it ECO & USER FRIENDLY
- DESIGN & CAPABILITIES - Great choice for Green Renewable recycling & Waste Management.The durable Steel housing is supported by a firm & sturdy powder coated steel frame, protecting the motor assembly.. Our Leaf Mulcher is equipped w/ an instant start switch & Overload Protection switch. Included are (2) 6” wheels to make transporting easy. Waste Catch Bag Made of Durable PP fabric with PE coating, which is water and tear resistant.
- SAFETY & PROPER USE - Always use the correct extension cord type/size for the distance of extension needed, refer to the owner’s manual on page E2 for recommended instructions, also always connect Wood Chipper to a GFCI outlet. Landworks Leaf Mulcher Shredder are best suited for outdoor environments.
2. WORX TRIVAC All Metal Mulching System
I understand if my previous recommendation looked slightly intimidating to some people. Having a big, scary-looking machine in the yard may not be what you're looking for when you think about cleaning up dead leaves and twigs. Well, consider this handheld 3-in-1 mulching system from WORX.
Product Highlights
I recently purchased the WORX TRIVAC All Metal Mulching system - but not because I wasn't satisfied with the Landworks mulcher. Actually, I was looking for something smaller and more convenient that I would use on a regular basis.
This handheld 3-in-1 system constitutes a vacuum, mulcher, and leaf blower. Weighing only 11 pounds, the handheld device is just the right proportion of lightweight and heavy-duty for garden work.
What I find the most convenient in this device is the easy-flip switch that allows me to switch from the blower mode to the vac and mulcher modes. I don't require any additional tools - just this handheld device is adequate for all my yard work. Built with cutting-edge technology and modern efficiency standards, this tool is one of my favorites to use regularly.
At first, I wasn't entirely happy with its design - the upward curling lip of the tube seemed unnecessary. However, when I used the vac mode in those pesky hard-to-reach spots, I finally understood how efficient and strategically designed the lip was.
What I like about it
First and foremost, I loved how easy this device was to handle. Sure, it's not super-lightweight; however, it is convenient to maneuver for about 20 minutes without tiring out my arms and back.
I noticed that the mulcher worked super efficiently in shredding leaves and twigs into tiny pieces, causing me to use fewer disposal bags. That's when I read the leaflet, which said that the mulch ratio on this device was 18:1 - 18 bags of debris efficiently cut down to 1.
What not to like about it
I'm not usually one to nitpick, but if I had to, my only gripe with this device would be the absence of a shoulder strap. Honestly, I could’ve used the device for extended periods if only it had a shoulder strap that would alleviate some of the load from my arms.
Pros and Cons of WORX TRIVAC All Metal Mulching System
Pros
Cons
- 3-IN-1: Eliminate hand raking or bagging. This versatile electric leaf blower, vacuum & mulcher effortlessly shreds leaves and collects debris, making yard work a breeze. Enjoy premium performance with up to 350 CFM air volume and 210 MPH air speed.
- SPACE-SAVING COLLECTION: The blowers for lawn care slices and dices yard debris like never before. The 2-stage metal impeller mulches 18 bags of leaves down into 1, so you can cover more ground without stopping to empty the bag.
- SIMPLIFIED SPEED CONTROL: Leaf vacuum mulcher with bag offers variable speed control, giving you complete power adjustment. Perfect for a range of tasks, from light-duty sweeping to blasting away leaves.
3. Earthwise Corded Electric Leaf Mulcher
I was surprised when I came across the Earthwise Corded Electric Leaf Mulcher because it looked more like a waste bin than a mulcher! Don't get me wrong; I'm not complaining. This innocuous-looking mulcher has a powerful 13-Amp motor and blends well into most yards.
Product Highlights
Honestly, I had been feeling like I was not doing my part for the environment. When I came across this leaf mulcher from Earthwise, I was determined to buy it because of its smaller carbon footprint. Let's face it; I need a mulcher in my yard, especially after the fall and winter season. So, why not go for the green alternative?
I was pleasantly surprised to observe how powerful this little 'waste-basket-like' machine was. With a 13-Amp motor and three mulching settings, it efficiently ground through 55 gals/min of leaves. Since it is powered by electricity, it is much more energy efficient than gas and oil-powered machines.
The added wheels and funnel handle were an absolute boon as they allowed me to maneuver the mulcher effortlessly. Whenever I need to grind my garden waste, I wheel out the mulcher from my shed, and once it's done, wheel it right back. So convenient!
What I like about it
There are so many things to like about this machine that I don't know where to start. For starters, I love how compact and easy to handle it is. The wheels and easy-grip handle make transporting the device an effortless endeavor.
I must mention the motor that I think is very efficient and powerful for a machine this size. It is relatively aesthetic compared to other mulchers that look like industrial machines.
What not to like about it
First, there is no waste bag provided. It's not a deal-breaker, but including one would have made me like the device more.
Second, since the mulcher is corded, there are some restrictions and limitations in transporting it. Although the machine goes anywhere I please, it's not easy to always find a suitable power socket.
Pros and Cons of Earthwise Corded Electric Leaf Mulcher
Pros
Cons
- Earthwise Power Tools by ALM powerful leaf shredder with a 13-Amp motor that delivers power and performance comparable to a gas leaf mulcher
- Leaf mulch shredder with a 19" funnel opening and 13" bladeless cutting diameter; Power with 55 gals/min mulching capacity with 16:1 mulching ratio
- Sliding control lever with (3) mulching settings; Elastic band with (4) clips for easily attaching bag at base of mulcher
4. Sun Joe Electric Leaf Mulcher
I loved the design and usability of the Earthwise mulcher so much that I decided to look for another similar one. That's when I came across the Sun Joe Electric Leaf Mulcher. Although it looks similar to my previous recommendation, it has certain features that set it apart.
Product Highlights
The Sun Joe Electric Leaf Mulcher is trashcan-compatible, meaning I can easily attach any leaf-bag-lined trash container to it for easy disposal. A 13-Amp motor with 8,000 RPM efficiently mulches 55 gallons of leaves per minute, which is astonishing for such a compact machine. It reduced my yard waste by 1/16th of its original size, giving me a cleaner looking yard.
A unique feature of Sun Joe (which is probably my favorite feature) is the easy-to-read control dial on its underbelly. This control dial allows me to dump dry or wet leaves, twigs, grass clippings, thatch, and surprisingly, even pine needles. The mulcher works perfectly according to whichever setting I put it in.
The Smart Shred Technology is another excellent feature I must mention. This technology offers a dust-reducing motor cooling system that ensures that it emits cleaner, dust-free air during operation.
What I like about it
My husband and I have a significant height difference, which is readily reflected in the tools and devices we use. He is comfortable with shorter handles, which I need longer ones. Well, this mulcher comes with a telescopic stand that allows us to adjust its height as per our requirement.
I highly appreciate the Smart Shred Technology because my husband has allergies, which can get triggered by dust and pollution. However, the motor cooling system efficiently diverts air away from the mulched leaves, significantly reducing dust.
What not to like about it
Having wheels and a handlebar on this mulcher would have made it much easier to transport from my yard to the shed. I also noticed that the telescopic legs would sometimes slide down of their own volition, which can be annoying.
Pros and Cons of Sun Joe Electric Leaf Mulcher
Pros
Cons
- [POWERFUL]: 13-amp motor with 8,000 rpm mulches up to 55 gallons of leaves per minute and reduces yard waste up to 1/16th its original size.
- [COMPATIBLE]: Conveniently attaches to leaf-bag-lined trash container for easy disposal.
- [CONTROL DIAL]: Adjustable control dial with settings for wet or dry yard waste.
5. Flowtron LE-900 Electric Leaf Shredder
For my final recommendation, I want to tell you about the Flowtron leaf mulcher. As soon as I saw this device, I knew it would fit most of my needs, thanks to its built-in handles and adjustable positioning feature.
Product Highlights
When I first came across this mulcher from Flowtron, I considered that it might be too bulky and heavy for everyday use. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that this device weighs only 17 pounds. The built-in handles were a bonus as it allowed me to transport it from my yard to the shed conveniently.
Using it, I observed that it worked very efficiently in mulching leaves, twigs, and even small branches, reducing their size by up to 30 times. Moreover, a built-in storage compartment enabled me to store the debris until I found time to get rid of it later.
I came across a persistent issue in other mulchers I had used - the trash bags would slip off with additional weight. However, this mulcher featured an elastic bungee cord that held the bag in place securely, even with added weight.
What I like about it
First off, I love the built-in handles as it allows me to move the mulcher around without straining my back. Its height is ideal for using alone or placing on top of a trash barrel - which turns out to be quite an efficient way of getting rid of the mulched waste.
The pressure knobs located at the sides are excellent in tilting the angle of this mulcher. It enables easy loading and rotates at a 180-degree angle for compact storage.
What not to like about it
All said and done, this mulcher doesn't come pre-assembled. I needed a #2 Phillips-head screwdriver and a little help from my neighbor to assemble it, which took just a few minutes. I would've preferred to skip this process, but honestly, it wasn't too tricky.
Pros and Cons of Flowtron LE-900 Electric Leaf Shredder
Pros
Cons
- 17 pounds; limited one-year warranty
Buyers Guide
Now that you've gone through my top recommendations, I hope you have a better understanding of what to look for in a leaf mulcher. If you're still slightly confused about which one to pick, don't worry, I've got you covered.
Let me tell you about a few things to keep in mind when choosing a mulcher for your needs.
1. Adjustable Levels
Every homeowner and gardener has different needs from their devices. Personally, I needed a mulcher that would allow me to shred and mulch smaller leaves, twigs, and occasionally, wet leaves and debris. Keeping this in mind, I decided to find the right mulcher for my needs.
However, your needs may be different. If you need to mulch larger leaves, wet waste, twigs, or branches, you might need a mulcher with different levels to handle the waste. It is essential to consider this when looking for the right mulcher.
2. Corded VS Cordless
You may notice that I have recommended certain corded as well as cordless mulchers in my guide. Again, this depends on your specific needs. Are you looking for a mulcher that can be easily transported and isn't restricted by a cord or power plug? If so, then you must consider non-corded mulchers.
That being said, certain models of mulchers feature wheels and handles, making it easier for transportation. If you are planning on moving the mulcher often, you might be better off with one that offers these features for easy transportation.
3. Budget
As with any product, it is crucial to consider your budget when looking for the right mulcher. High-priced mulchers don't always translate to better functionality. Ensure that you read carefully through the product specifications and features before purchasing the right mulcher for your needs.
4. Blades & Motor
Picking a mulcher with a powerful motor and sharp blades is one of the most important aspects to consider. Without these features, a mulcher will not provide optimal benefits, as it may be restricted to mulching only small twigs and leaves.
Make it a point to go through product reviews before purchasing one - genuine customer reviews will tell you everything you need to know about a product's utility. High-quality blades also ensure the longevity of the machine, which is important if you aren't planning on frequently changing brands.
5. Quiet Operation
Let’s face it; most mulchers create a ruckus. If you live alone, this might not be a huge issue as you can put on noise-canceling headphones and let the mulcher do its job. However, finding a mulcher with quieter operation becomes imperative if you live in a community.
Fortunately, modern mulchers are power-efficient and quiet in their operation, making them ideal to use in your yard. If noise is an important factor to consider, ensure that you look for a device that has special quiet operation features.
6. Compression Ratio
Another important factor to consider in a mulcher is its compression ratio. You might find numbers like 30:1, 16:1, or 8:1 mentioned on some models. This means that the mulcher can reduce the size of the original waste (leaves, twigs, and branches) by 30, 16, or 8 times, respectively.
This also means that you have less waste to deal with. It increases the volume of waste you can put into the mulcher, enabling you to do more work in a shorter time.
7. Gas VS Electric
The choice between a gas and electric powered mulcher can be tough. On one hand, an electric mulcher is quieter and often more compact compared to gas-powered ones. However, the cord may be restrictive for some users, who prefer having the freedom to use their mulcher in different spots of their property.
If you have a large yard with large amounts of leaves and twigs that need mulching, you may be better off with a gas-powered mulcher.
Leaf Mulcher FAQs
It is far more effective and sustainable in the long term to mulch your garden waste rather than putting them into bags to put in a landfill or burning them. This can cause excessive waste and is not a very environment-friendly solution. Mulchers can help reduce the size of garden waste while allowing you to get rid of them quickly.
Some of them do, while others might choke up if you try and put wet debris into them. It is best to check this with the manufacturer or read the specifications before purchasing a mulcher.
Believe it or not, mulched leaves are excellent for the soil and flower beds. Once mulched, you can set it aside to use in vegetable gardens, flower beds, or even for landscaping. Mulch provides much-needed nutrients to the soil, ensuring that your mulched leaves never go to waste.
Our Final Recommendation
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With that, I have finally come to the end of my comprehensive guide and reviews. I hope you learned something valuable and are better equipped to decide on the best mulcher for your yard.
But before I sign off, I’d like to tell you about my favorites. Overall, I think the Sun Joe Electric Leaf Mulcher does an excellent job. I appreciate the addition of telescopic legs (a benefit for the height difference between my husband and I).
However, if you need a mulcher that allows easier transportation, I would recommend the WORX TRIVAC All Metal Mulching System and Earthwise Corded Electric Leaf Mulcher.
Until next time!