Pointe-Claire urges residents to mulch autumn leaves instead of bagging them

Pointe-Claire is encouraging residents to keep autumn leaves on their property where practical, saying shredded leaves can return nutrients to the soil and provide winter habitat for insects.

In guidance published November 6, the city recommends running a mower over dry leaves before they form a thick layer. The resulting leaf mulch should be spread no more than about two inches deep on a lawn, with excess material moved to garden beds or a home compost pile.

The city cautions against leaving dense, wet mats of leaves on grass. It also says leaves from diseased fruit trees should be collected rather than mulched, to reduce the risk of spreading disease.

Small amounts left in flower beds can shelter beneficial insects, including some butterflies and native bees, through the winter. The advice gives West Island residents an alternative to bagging leaves while reducing the volume sent for municipal collection.

Source

City of Pointe-Claire: “Autumn leaves: a natural ally for your property”, published November 6, 2026.

Illustrative stock photo: Mateusz Majewski / Unsplash, under the Unsplash License. This image does not depict a specific Pointe-Claire property.