Every autumn it's that time again: colorful leaves have to be swept up and disposed of. In many cities, leaf bags are made available to the citizens for this purpose, others get a leaf bag themselves. This is also practical for other garden waste - for example for clippings from hedge trimming. You should pay attention to this when buying.

Our recommendations

GardenMate 3x garden bag 272l made of robust polypropylene fabric (PP) 150gsm
19.95 EUR To the productmaterial | Polypropylene (PP) |
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strength | 150 grams per square meter |
Dimensions | Height 76 centimeters, diameter 67 centimeters |
capacity | maximum 272 liters |
handles | 4, 2 above and 2 below (for easier emptying) |
extras | double seams, reinforcement ring at the top |
These garden bags can be purchased in inexpensive sets of 2, 3, 6 or even 15 pieces. According to the manufacturer's description, the GardenMate leaf bags are suitable for light to medium-heavy garden waste, for example for leaves, lawn clippings, perennials, shrubs and woody cuttings, provided the latter is not too bulky. Most Amazon reviewers are positive about the quality and durability of this product, but note that if possible, no sharp branches or overly heavy material should be filled in. Wet grass, for example, should be filled up to a maximum of one third of the leaf bag and bulky clippings should ideally be shredded again.

Glorytec garden bag 2X 500l with double bottom - 4 tear-resistant handles - garden waste bags made of extremely robust polypropylene fabric (PP) 150gsm
To the productmaterial | Polypropylene (PP) |
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strength | 150 grams per square meter |
Dimensions | Height and diameter approx. 84 centimeters each |
capacity | 500 liters |
handles | 4, 2 above and 2 below (for easier emptying) |
extras | double reinforced bottom, handles sewn 10 times, clamping ring |
The stable, self-standing leaf bag from Glorytec can not only be used for autumn leaves and collected fallen fruit, but is also suitable for other garden waste - such as plant remains or cuttings from perennials, shrubs and fruit trees. In contrast to many others, this model has a double-layer base made of two layers of polypropylene for extra stability. The supplied tension ring ensures that the sack stands on its own and you only have to throw the waste in while you are working in the garden. Please note that UV radiation in summer and frost in winter make the material brittle.

WHT 125L Heavy Duty Garden Garbage Bags with Handles, Green Leaf Bag with Military Canvas (H45.7cm, D55.8cm)
17.99 EUR To the productmaterial | Linen (canvas fabric), carrying straps made of plastic |
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strength | not specified |
Dimensions | Diameter about 46 centimeters, height about 56 centimeters |
capacity | 125 liters |
handles | 4 handles, 2 on top and 2 on bottom |
extras | Carrying straps with PVC handle, particularly tear-resistant and stable material |
If you are looking for an environmentally friendly, sustainable and long-lasting alternative to the conventional plastic leaf bag, this model made of canvas is well advised. This garden bag transports even bulky branches and thorns without any problems (e.g. damage), and the material does not become brittle due to solar radiation, moisture and frost. Once purchased, the garden waste bag - which is not only suitable for garden waste, but also e.g. B. can also be used for harvesting - for many seasons. The Amazon reviewers only comment negatively that the sack, unlike the usual pop-up leaf sacks, only stands on its own once it has been filled to a certain extent.
Purchase Criteria
material
As a rule, a leaf bag is made of polypropylene, a robust synthetic fabric. This is lightweight, stretchy and recyclable. There are also a few manufacturers who make garden bags from extremely robust canvas - so-called canvas, as it is also used by the military. The handles or carrying handles are mostly made of plastic and can have reinforcement for better grip. Make sure the handles are sewn well so they don't tear easily.
durability
Basically, a leaf bag made of plastic usually only lasts for one or two garden seasons. You can improve durability by making sure the material is well made when you buy it and treating the bag with care. This includes not leaving it outside for long periods of time - UV radiation, moisture and frost make plastics brittle over time, so that they tear quickly. Leaf bags made of canvas are significantly more robust and durable.
processing
Good processing of the material - regardless of whether it is plastic or canvas - is important for a long service life. Such a leaf bag tears quickly when used, often due to overloading or because sharp components of the filling have damaged the material. The bottom and carrying handles are particularly vulnerable. Therefore, when buying, give preference to double-layer floors, as these are more robust than single ones and can therefore carry more weight. The carrying handles are optimally sewn several times.
stability and steadfastness
Pop-up leaf bags are particularly popular because they stand up and stay open by themselves and you can simply throw the waste in without having to hold the bag. This stability is achieved by solid rods and rings (usually made of plastic), which are either already incorporated at the factory or which you have to attach yourself. However, some leaf bags (especially the canvas variants) do not have such a stabilizing framework, which is a disadvantage when gardening.
capacity
With regard to the filling quantity, gardeners are quickly tempted to choose the largest possible leaf bag. However, this is not an advantage. Consider that you must also be able to carry this weight and hoist it into the car, for example. In addition, large garden waste bags, especially when they are well filled, no longer fit in the wheelbarrow or are difficult to stow in the trunk. A smaller leaf bag with a capacity of around 200 to 250 liters is easier to handle.
shape
Leaf bags come in a variety of shapes. Tube-like and box-like products and bags are particularly common. The tube-like models are ideal for collecting waste in the garden, but less so for transport. For transport in the car, however, the box-like leaf bags are recommended, as they can be stowed away to save space. Bags are also well suited for transport, but can lose their contents during the journey if there are no appropriate holders.
price
With regard to the price, the old saying "buy cheap, buy twice" applies - to leaf bags as well as to other gardening items. Do not be tempted to choose the new leaf bag only on the basis of the low purchase price - the other criteria such as processing Durability and stability are much more important. Ultimately, you will not be happy with a product that shows signs of wear after just one or two uses.
frequently asked Questions
Where do you get leaf bags from?
Leaf bags can be purchased privately or through the city or municipality - the latter is necessary if the municipal street cleaning ordinance requires it. Garden waste bags that you buy privately, on the other hand, are only used in your own garden.
How much does a leaf bag cost?
Municipal leaf bags are given to the responsible authority either free of charge or for a small fee. However, these bags are intended for single use only. The models used in your own garden last much longer and are correspondingly more expensive - for good quality you should plan around 15 to 30 EUR for a set with 3 leaf bags.
Which well-known brands / manufacturers produce leaf bags?
Recommended manufacturers of leaf bags are u. a. GardenMate, Meister, Glorytec or MV-Power, all of whose products you can buy online. In addition, of course, the various garden centers also offer their own models, both stationary and online.
equipment
leaf rake

GARDENA combisystem Plastic Adjustable Rake: Leaf rake with adjustable elastic plastic tines, working width 35 to 52 cm, wobble-free work (3099-20)
16.21 EUR To the productWhether lawn clippings, fallen fruit or autumn leaves - for garden waste you need a good leaf rake or rake to get the garden clean and tidy again quickly. Then the grass and leaves simply wander into the leaf bag provided.
Shovel Rake

GARDENA combisystem Shovel Rake: Handy shovel rake for sweeping up and picking up leaves and garden waste, with robust plastic tines, working width 36.5 cm (3120-20)
19.79 EUR To the productThe shovel rake is an extremely practical 3-1 garden tool: rake, shovel and sieve in one. With this, you can quickly and effectively rake up grass clippings, leaves, fallen fruit and other garden waste and then lift them up with the same device - that's easy on your back and you're done faster. The waste then migrates - how could it be otherwise - into the leaf bag.
secateurs

Fiskars bypass secateurs for fresh branches and twigs, non-stick coating, high-quality steel blades, length: 20 cm, black/orange, SingleStep, P26, 1000567
9.22 EUR To the productPerennials and shrubs can be cut back with a pair of sharp pruning shears. The clippings are simply stored in the leaf bag, which is particularly important when cutting diseased plants - you should not leave their clippings in the garden to avoid further transmission of fungi and other pathogens.