Menomonee Falls Leaf Management Pilot Study
Your neighborhood has been selected to participate in a pilot program focused on the adoption of alternative leaf management behaviors, specifically composting and mulching fall leaves in place.
The Village of Menomonee Falls, in partnership with Sweet Water, seeks your participation in a leaf management pilot study.
Stormwater pollution is one of the leading contributors to the degradation of our local waterways. Excessive amounts of phosphorus deposited into stormwater runoff can result in algal blooms, excessive macrophyte growth, and reduced dissolved oxygen levels. While the sources of phosphorus to stormwater are many, one primary contributor is decaying leaves that have been left on the street for collection. Rain percolating through these leaves washes into storm drains (“leaf tea”) and can contribute as much as 50% of the annual phosphorus load from residential areas with high tree canopy [1]. The Wisconsin DNR has acknowledged the significance of this source… “the leaves in the curb line are a significant source of phosphorus in urban stormwater discharges during the fall season. Residents that rake leaves from their yards into the curb line increase the amount of phosphorus available to leach into stormwater” [2].
This pilot program requests that participants adopt leaf management practices that keep leaves out of the street. Common alternatives include composting and mulching leaves in place. This pilot program will support participants in adopting these alternative leaf management behaviors. There are many benefits to composting and mulching your fall leaves, continue reading to learn more!
Please take a few minutes to complete the survey below regarding your leaf management behaviors in 2024. Your responses are anonymous and will help us formulate the most effective ways to implement this pilot study in 2025. Once you complete the survey, please continue to scroll down to learn more about participation.
Benefits of Participation
Improve water quality and reduce stormwater pollution
This is an opportunity to be a part of a study that will provide important information and data in the Village’s efforts to reduce stormwater pollution and improve water quality.
Fewer leaves in the street = Less phosphorus entering our shared waterways = Improved water quality
Improve soil health
Mulched leaves help to improve soil structure, amending sandy or clay-like soil.
Improve the health of your grass lawn and garden beds
Mulched leaves act as natural fertilizer, eliminating the need to fertilize your lawn in the spring.
Leaf compost can be added to garden beds to act as a nutrient-rich mulch.
Save time and effort
Mulching-in-place is faster and less labor intensive than raking leaves to the street.
Fewer leaves in the street = More time for municipal effort to be focused elsewhere
Support local ecosystem
Bugs, birds, and wildlife find refuge and protection within leave litter.
Step by Step - What does participation look like?
Fill out the pre-participation behavioral survey so we can better understand your previous leaf management behaviors.
Sign up to participate by signing the pledge.
As leaves fall, do your best to mulch-in-place and compost the fallen leaves. This is not an “all or nothing” mindset. You may find it best to combine mulching-in-place, composting, and raking leaves to the street.
Each time you manage your leaves, please visit this website to fill out a brief survey reporting your experience.
Participate in a follow up survey or interview (December 2025/January 2026).
Participation is optional, and you can participate as much or as little as you would like. All information that you choose to share, positive or negative, is extremely helpful!
Are you missing any supplies (mulching blades, mulch plug/kit, compost bin, rake, chicken wire, gloves, etc.) that would prevent you from mulching in place or composting your leaves? Don’t worry, we can help you out!
The first 20 households who sign the pledge/sign up to participate are eligible to receive a $100 gift card to Home Depot.*
*No purchase necessary. One gift card per household. Must submit pledge to participate. While supplies last. Gift cards will be distributed before October 1.
Each time you manage your leaves this fall, please come back here to complete this “Check-In Survey” to share your experience with us. This is valuable information that will help us support participants and improve the program.
Mulching 101
Mulching leaves in place is the process of mowing the leaves in your yard into dime-sized pieces. You may need to make multiple passes with your mower so that the leaves are small enough to settle between the blades of grass.
Leaves are easily shredded with your average lawn mower, however you can purchase and attach mulching blades and/or plugs which are specific for the task. Be sure to raise your mower height as you begin mulching-in-place.
It is recommended to mulch-in-place about 1x per week for best results.
You can use a bag attachment to easily transport mulched leaves into your garden beds or compost bins, or you can use a mulch plug which leaves the mulched leaves on the lawn.
INSERT Menomonee Falls mulching video (?)
Composting 101
Whole or shredded leaves can be added to your regular compost bin with your kitchen scraps, providing beneficial nitrogen and phosphorus to use in your garden beds.
Create “leaf mold” by piling leaves together, watering, and occasionally mixing the pile. This can be done in the open or with a simple chicken wire enclosure.
Leaf mold is a great soil amendment
See videos below for more information on leaf mold
Common Leaf Management Misconceptions
I have too many leaves!
When you mulch-in-place, what may look like a lot of leaves will shred into small pieces that settle between blades of grass and will decompose, acting as a natural spring fertilizer for your lawn.
Combining practices is an effective way to manage an overwhelming amount of leaves. A combination of composting, mulching-in-place, and raking to the street may be the best option for you.
If I leave the leaves, my grass will die.
If leaves cover your lawn completely and sunlight cannot permeate to the grass, your lawn will suffer. However, simply by spreading the leaves out and a quick pass of the mower, and your lawn will be healthier as the leaves decompose and release natural fertilizer for a healthy lawn.
I don’t want to purchase specialty equipment.
No special equipment is necessary to mulch-in-place or compost! Use your lawnmower as you would mow the grass, with the highest height setting to begin.
Simple to install mulch plug and/or mulch blades, see videos below.
Questions?
Fill out the form below or reach out directly to Claire - kaleta@swwtwater.org
References:
Selbig, William. Science of Total Environment, Vol 571, November 15, 2016. P 124-133.
Wisconsin DNR, “Responses to Comments Municipal Phosphorus Reduction Credit for Leaf Management Programs,” February 2022.