The 7 Best Leaf Mulchers of 2023

What to Consider When Shopping for a Leaf Mulcher

Power Source 

Nearly all leaf mulchers are going to fall into one of three categories—gas, plug-in electric, and battery-powered. If you want to be eco-friendly, eliminate the gas-powered options, even though they’ll often advertise being more powerful. You can still find plenty of plug-in and battery units that are perfect for most backyard needs. With the electric options, do pay attention to the number of amps for the motor. This is an easy way to understand the level of power. 

Size 

It doesn’t seem like carrying around mulcher for a while outside would be tiring or make you sore, but if the unit is heavy or big, it certainly can. Look for the overall size and weight of the unit (both as a blower and as a vacuum) so you can get an idea of what you’ll be carrying around. If it is a heavier or bigger unit, make sure it has a backpack, harness, or other support. Your back will thank you! 

Accessories

Many leaf mulchers come with accessories, including extensions to make it easier to get to those hard-to-reach spots or wheels to make moving it easier. Even if your mulcher doesn’t come with many accessories, some brands will have affordable add-ons so you can be sure it’s compatible. This can be really nice to have, so check for this while shopping. 

Mulch Ratio 

Most leaf mulchers will list the mulch ratio. Essentially, this helps you understand how finely the mulcher will break down the materials. For instance, a 15:1 ratio versus a 10:1 ratio means the 15:1 will break it down a lot smaller and finer. This might not matter to you that much, after all, a 10:1 ratio is pretty great! But it’s just something to keep in mind, especially if you have a lot of leaves or materials to get through or want to make sure the end product fits into a more compact compost bin. 

FAQs

What’s the difference between a leaf blower and a leaf mulcher? 

You can find a lot of different blowers on the market. These basically have a single function where they blow leaves anywhere you want, making it easy for collection. Leaf mulchers will have a functionality much like a vacuum that sucks up the leaves into a compartment while shredding them at the same time. They can look the same, so make sure you don’t buy a blower, thinking it has mulching functions when it really doesn’t. 

Do leaf munchers work on pine needles?

Yes. Nearly all leaf mulchers can also take pine needles. Much like the leaves, they’ll break down into mulch. This can be used in your compost bin or in the garden. 

Are mulched leaves good for compost? 

If you have a compost bin, you probably know that you should have a good mixture of “green” to brown” material, about a 2:1 ratio. Mulched leaves are perfect for your brown material. However, when adding mulched items to your compost, keep one thing in mind. Never add leaves that you suspect are diseased in any way. This can negatively affect your compost and soil. 

How do you decide between a leaf mulcher and a wood chipper? 

It really depends on the material you want to break down. If you live in an area where you’re dealing with a lot of leaves and not much else, stick to the leaf mulcher. It will do a great job, and you might be able to save some money overall.

If you have a lot of sticks or large branches around that you need to clean up, you probably need a wood chipper that can take on a bigger job, but many chippers don't handle leaves well.

Why Trust Treehugger?

Treehugger is always on the lookout for items to help you be more eco-friendly in the backyard. The author, Stacy Tornio, has been mulching leaves for years. She loves this free mulch, and so do her plants!