How to Preserve Fall Leaves With Glycerin

Prune several small branches from trees using a hack saw or pruning shears. Choose branches that won't affect the growth pattern of the tree and have many leaves on them. Prune branches at night or in the morning and after a dry spell. Make sure you prune the branches before the first frost.

Crush the branches with a hammer for a distance of four to six inches from the cut end. This will help the branch's vascular system absorb the glycerin solution.

Make a mixture of one part glycerin to two parts water. For best results, test the acidity of the water using a pH testing kit. A pH of 3 or 4 is ideal. If the pH is higher than 4, add some lemon juice to the water. If the pH is lower than 3, add some powdered lime. Retest the water to ensure it is the proper pH. Make enough of the mixture so that, when it is added to the bucket or milk carton, it will cover the crushed ends of the branches.

Add 4 to 5 drops of a surfactant to the mixture to aid in the absorption of the glycerin. You can purchase a surfactant, such as Spreader Sticker, at most garden centers.

Pour the glycerin mixture into the bucket or milk carton.

Add the branches, cut-side down, to the glycerin mixture. Keep the container of leaves in a well-ventilated location out of direct sunlight.

Check the level of the glycerin solution daily and add water, if required, to ensure the crushed part of the branches remains covered.

Check whether the leaves are ready. Leaves will have changed color uniformly and feel supple when they have drawn up enough glycerin. This could take as little as five days or as long as six weeks, depending on the type of leaves you are preserving. Magnolia branches, for example, must be immersed for three to six weeks.

Remove the leaves from the branches and use as desired.