Bulk Magnolia and Live Oak leaves

JimO · #1 (**permalink**) 06-01-2010, 04:39 PM

I can supply hand-collected magnolia leaves (no debris or other leaves) in bulk quantities (5 to 10 cubic-foot boxes) for $15/cubic foot plus shipping (approximately $10-$12 per box for UPS Ground). The leaves are not boiled or otherwise disinfected and they are collected from areas where no chemicals are used (I have trees on my own property). If you want magnolia leaves disinfected by boiling and oven drying, send me a PM and we can work out a cost based on quantity. These can also be shipped in smaller quantities (1 to 5 cubic-foot boxes)

For the same price I can supply Live Oak leaf litter that is at least 80% Live Oak leaves, but still contains some twigs, grass, and other assorted leaves (laurel oak, bay, and maybe a few pine needles). These are also collected from chemical free areas and not collected in areas where poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, or stinging nettles are growing. The labor to sort these leaves to remove everything but Live Oak leaves or to disinfect them is labor intensive and would probably be cost prohibitve. I haven't costed it out but would be willing to consider it if you are seriously interested. Shipping of Live Oak leaf litter will be a few dollars more due to the higher density as compared with magnolia leaves.

I can also put some of both in the same box (with the magnolia leaves in separate bags).

If you are interested, send me a PM. I can ship up to five boxes within the next week. If I receive requests for more than that, it might be a couple of weeks before you receive them.

I would also consider offers to trade frogs or supplies for leaves.

JimO · #2 (**permalink**) 06-02-2010, 01:51 AM

I wanted to add some information. The Live Oak leaves I collect include a predominantly coastal variety referred to as a Sand Live Oak (Quercus geminata). It's leaves are thicker and have a more curled margin than the Southern Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) and I find that they last a bit longer. Photos can be found here: http://www.duke.edu/~cwcook/trees/quge.html

Also, fresh fallen leaves are collected during dry conditions and thoroughly air dried before packing.

JimO · #3 (**permalink**) 06-02-2010, 04:02 AM

I've had some inquiries regarding smaller quantities of leaves. I'd rather ship in bulk and would offer discounts for larger quantities, but am willing to ship as little as 1 cubic foot of leaves for $15 plus shipping. I've seen this amount of sterilized (boiled and oven dried) magnolia leaves for $40 plus shipping. I don't mind sterilizing smaller quantities and could offer a cubic foot of sterilized magnolia leaves for $30 shipped (UPS Ground).

For reference, there are 7.48 gallons per cubic foot. The going rate for a gallon ziplock bag of leaves is around $4, which comes to $29.92 per cubic foot. I'm asking half that price, or $15. When shipping is considered, the overall unit cost decreases. As an example, I shipped 2 cubic feet to one person and the shipping for UPS Ground was just under $10. A 10.5 cubic foot box to the same region was close to $12. The smaller quantity added $5/cubic foot, while the larger quantity only added approximately $1.15.

If you'd like magnolia leaves or would like to try some of the Sand Live Oak leaves, send me a PM and I'm sure we can work out a deal.

JimO · #4 (**permalink**) 06-02-2010, 11:38 PM

I have 5 boxes of magnolia leaves that hold 5.75 cubic feet each - make me an offer.

JimO · #5 (**permalink**) 06-03-2010, 08:09 PM

I still have a couple of boxes left and I need to get them out of my garage. I'll consider any reasonable offer, including trades.

JimO · #6 (**permalink**) 06-06-2010, 12:12 AM

I still have one 5.75 cf box of magnolia leaves and I will be collecting more next week. Here is a photo of the Magnolia leaves I am offering.

Magnolia Leaves
Magnolia Leaves 1.jpg

I haven't had any requests related to the Live Oak leaf litter. I know some folks might be hesitant because this material isn't pure Live Oak leaves; however, the price would have to be quite a bit higher to me pick out all the debris by hand and I don't believe the other leaves/debris create any problems. It's really good material. Some of the other leaves (bay and other oak) are nearly as durable and others will simply decompose quicker, which could actually help the microfauna. This is what I use in my vivs with no problems. I have quite a bit that I've already worked on to separate larger debris. I'd like to get that out of my garage as well. Here are a couple of photos of the Oak Leaf litter with the majority of the leaves being Sand Live Oak. This should give you an idea of how little debris is in the material.

Live Oak Litter 1.jpg
Live Oak Litter 2.jpg
This material is the best bargain because less labor is involved and it packs more densely into a box, so you get more biomass for your money.

If anyone is interested in seeing a sample and is interested in bulk quantities of at least 5 cf, I'd be happy to send you samples. Just send me a PM with a mailing address. I could do the same with the Magnolia leaves.

Again, make me an offer for either product. I haven't turned down any reasonable offers yet.

Thanks,

Jim