Yard waste is not inherently a problem, in fact, leaving it alone can often be beneficial! Still, in some situations it can cause problems. Leaves and other yard waste accumulate in the fall and can clog drains and ditches, leading to stormwater backups and drainage issues. Leaves and yard waste should never be swept into storm drains, streets, or other pipes, drains, or culverts. In natural areas like a forest, leaf litter, fallen branches, and dead stems from last years blooms are piled up thick enough to act as natures 'mulch'. This provides winter food and shelter for insects, nuts and seeds that will become next years' sprouts. These things then become food for more critters up the food chain like baby birds, rabbits, and their predators. It's amazing how a little leaf litter can foster a thriving ecosystem!
As homeowners there are several things you can do.
- Leave the Leaves
- Lawns - Mulch your grass clipping and leaves back into the lawn with your mower. This returns nutrients back into your lawn, reducing the need for fertilizer and cleanup. If you don't like the look or have an especially thick layer of leaves, you can bag and compost them. Some communities offer leaf/yard waste pick up services.
- Garden Beds - Leaf blowers may be great for driveways and sidewalks, but not garden beds. Like your lawn, leaf litter provides nutrients for next year's plants. It also provides food and shelter from cold winter temperatures for caterpillars, butterflies, moths, birds, and lots of other critters. It is sometimes advised to blow your leaves into your garden beds for the winter!
- Clear Drains & Ditches
- If you have any drains around your property, it is important to keep them clear of leaves in the fall. Drainage ditches, culverts, and storm drains can also become blocked by leaves and other yard waste. You can avoid stormwater backups and drainage issues by keeping these clear.
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Resources
For more information on leaves and yard waste, check out these resources!
Seasonal Stormwater Series: Fall - Hamilton County Conservation District
Leave The Leaves! - Xerces Society
This Fall, Leave the Leaves! - U.S. Department of Agriculture
Seasonal Stormwater Series: Fall - Hamilton County Conservation District
Leave The Leaves! - Xerces Society
This Fall, Leave the Leaves! - U.S. Department of Agriculture