Leaf Bag Reviews: Kangaroo Bags, Bosbag, and Tip Bag for Fall Cleanup

Autumn leaves can smother grass if left wet and matted. Several collapsible, woven-plastic bags make gathering and hauling easier.

Kangaroo Bags

Soft-sided cans that collapse to 3″ disks, hang in garage. Pop open via toggle-and-loop closures. Mildew- and tear-resistant vinyl-coated polyester. Two sizes: 10-gal ($20), 30-gal ($30). Small for spot weeding; large lines with 33-gal trash bag for serious cleanup. Fiskars: 800-500-4849, www.fiskars.com.

Bosbag

Self-supporting polyethylene container. 3.5 cu ft ($15) or 5.3 cu ft ($17). Bosmere: 888-784-1608, 704-784-1608, www.bosmere.com.

Tip Bag

Woven polypropylene sides with stiff plastic hoop to hold top open. Capacities 1.2–9.5 cu ft. 4.6 cu ft ($21.50) handles most tasks. Also from Bosmere.

Recycling Leaves

• Rake and shred for compost/mulch. Bagging mower can pick up and shred.
• Compost: alternate leaf layers with green matter (grass clippings).
• Avoid as mulch: Black walnut leaves (growth-inhibiting chemical). Diseased leaves: shred and compost, don't mulch.