PYFF & FORSTNew England Leaf Co.

Support

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about ordering, shipping, and caring for your leaves.

Are these real leaves?

Yes. Every leaf in our collection is 100% authentic, wild-harvested deciduous foliage sourced from the forests of New England. We do not sell silk, plastic, or preserved leaves. Our product is the real thing—natural color, natural texture, naturally fallen.

How are they shipped?

Each order is carefully packaged in recycled kraft paper using a proprietary layering system designed to preserve color and prevent damage during transit. We ship via USPS Priority Mail for orders up to The Armful, and freight for The Pile and above. Every package includes a species identification card and care suggestions.

What if my leaves arrive damaged?

Due to the natural and delicate character of our product, some variation in condition is normal. A slightly crumbled edge or minor tear is part of working with real foliage. That said, if more than 30% of your order arrives significantly damaged, please contact us with photos within 48 hours of delivery and we’ll arrange a replacement from the next available batch.

Are your leaves organic?

All of our leaves are wild-foraged from forests that have never been treated with pesticides, herbicides, or agricultural chemicals. While we have not pursued formal organic certification—the USDA does not currently offer a framework for certifying fallen foliage—our sourcing practices exceed organic standards by definition.

Can I choose specific colors?

We offer species blends rather than specific color guarantees, since leaf color is influenced by genetics, weather patterns, and soil chemistry. That said, our Sugar Maple Mix tends toward reds and deep oranges, Oak Medley leans bronze and russet, and Birch & Beech Blend delivers golds and clear yellows. Dealer’s Choice is our foraging team’s selection based on what’s at peak color on the day of collection.

When are leaves available?

Our shipping season runs from late September through mid-November, following New England’s natural foliage cycle. The exact timing varies from year to year depending on weather conditions. Pre-orders placed outside the active season will be fulfilled in the order received once harvesting begins.

Can I use these for a wedding or event?

Absolutely. Leaves are a beautiful and increasingly popular choice for aisle scatter, table accents, centerpiece elements, and natural confetti. Our Armful is the most popular size for event use, though larger weddings and venue installations often call for The Pile or The Estate. We recommend ordering at least two weeks before your event date to allow for seasonal variability.

What is your return policy?

Due to the perishable and seasonal nature of our product, all sales are final. We cannot accept returns on delivered orders. If your shipment arrives damaged beyond the normal range of variation, please see our damage policy above.

How do you ensure ethical sourcing?

We follow a strict ‘fallen only’ policy—we never pick, pull, or shake leaves from trees. Our foragers collect exclusively from the forest floor, and we limit our harvest to less than 2% of available leaf litter in any given area. The remaining leaf cover continues to serve its ecological role: providing overwintering habitat for insects, building topsoil, and insulating root systems.

Do you ship internationally?

Not at this time. International shipping of plant material is subject to agricultural inspection and phytosanitary certification requirements that vary by country. We are currently exploring options for shipping to Canada and hope to offer limited international availability in the future.

How long do the leaves last?

Unpressed leaves will maintain their color and shape for approximately 1–3 weeks depending on humidity and storage conditions. For longer preservation, we recommend pressing between sheets of wax paper under a heavy book, or applying a light coat of clear acrylic spray. Detailed care instructions are included with every order.

What does the name mean?

Pyff and forst are Old Norse words meaning wind and frost—the two natural forces that drive autumn color change. Wind loosens the leaves; frost triggers the pigment shift. We chose the name as a nod to the elemental processes behind every leaf in our collection.

Have a question we haven't covered?

Email us at hello@pyffandforst.com and our team will respond within 1–2 business days.