"I cannot imagine that it is sustainable. Eventually the leaf production will decrease due to my diversion."

I disagree, M. aelpha. (Respectfully, cuz you know, maybe i'm wrong....)

Yes, You are right that the "(t)he leaves that i displace are no longer fertilizing the forest floor and those very trees", and you are likewise right (implicitly, if i read your words correctly) that "those very trees" must suffer *somewhat*.

You can no doubt see where i am going with the *italics*, eh?

I just don't think the world as a whole can possibly be hurt by your *better* use of the wonderful organic material (thank you, trees!) your beautiful human mind has put to magnificent use.