Oak Leaf Litter

[Tom]

I have to because I am only available to live leaves.. our Oak does not "winter". So, by microwaving for about 4 minutes it hardens and dries them to the consistency of a dead leaf.. it also makes it a bit durable than a natural dead leaf. Microwaving also rids the smell, it neutralize it.

I don't know if this method will remove the green leaf toxicity vs. natural outdoor weathering. My oaks are all green year round too, but I only collect the fallen leaves that have been on the ground underneatht the trees for a long time.

[Dakota]

It would have to.. you are microwaving them to evaporate the moisture inside (so it can be fit to be preserved and such), hence why you have to put a paper towel in with them so the leaves on the bottom won't get soggy. The same thing happens with a dead leaf, once the tree stops sending water and such that keeps the leaves alive -- they dry out.

[Richard.C]

Takes more than a couple of mins for them to dry naturally,plus naturally dried ones hold together better than microwaved ones,just sayin

[Dakota]

I havr microwaved leaves before.....

[Richard.C]

So have i,they generally go to brittle or keep moisture in them

[Lea]

You are asking for trouble by microwaving highly flammable materials to dry them out. Ignition point would be low and how is keeping an eye on them going to stop them bursting into flames.

Very silly idea.