Minecraft wiki entry for Things_not_to_do, associated text: Using a tool on leaves is a bad idea, because it drains the uses the player's tool has. If the player were to use a tool on all of the leaves on a tree, not even an iron tool would last long. It is just as fast for the player to use their fists or any non-tool items on leaves as it uses a tool other than a sword or shears on a leaf block or grass. The player should use shears on leaves or grass if they want to collect leaf blocks as an item. A player cutting through a lot of leaves or cobwebs may choose to make a few disposable stone swords to use as machetes. If the player is on version 1.16+, a hoe should be used instead, as most hoes can insta-mine the leaves. It is a great idea to enchant this hoe with Fortune, as that increases the drop rate of sticks and saplings, as well as apples from oak trees. This is an especially good idea when trying to obtain jungle saplings, as their drop rate is much lower.