I'm not sure I understand the intent. Gaultheria procumbens typically forms a very low growing but dense mat. Couldn't the leaves just be blown off or raked off gently? Leaves that carpet the surface of a low growing groundcover or remain stuck in the structure of other evergreen shrubs are the only ones that should be removed - leaves that have fallen on open soil should be left in place to decompose naturally and return nutrients to the soil. A lot of folks go out of their way to gather leaves and apply them for just this purpose. There is a limit to how tidy we should be in the garden before we start sacrificing the benefits of the natural process for the sake of appearance.

Besides, there is not enough height to the plant to be able to prune easily or simply before defoliation and possible permanent. I wouldn't recommend it.

Goodness, I've been trying to get this groundcover established in my yard for over three years now, without much success. And it is a rather expensive groundcover, for some reason. So I'm cringing at the idea of weed-whacking it down.

But my personal feelings aside, lol, I don't know how it would respond. I'm also thinking that this is low enough to just lightly rake or blow the leaves out of easily, no?

:)
Dee

Yes it makes since to just blow it out. I have only seen it once and I really didn't pay much attention to the amount of leaves. This info was just relayed to me in a phone conversation with my mother. I haven't talked to my uncle about it yet. I don't even know if he has a blower. Thanks for your replies!

Phew! LOL! Glad to see you won't be weed-whacking. I mean, for all I know it might respond well, but like I said, I've had such a hard time getting this established I'd hate to see you kill it off unintentionally. It's really a beautiful plant. I hope they enjoy it.

:)
Dee