What should you do with all those leaves?
Option 1. One of the best things you can do is to "leaf" it on your lawn. It's free fertilizer! Leaves are very high in nutrients and organic matter. The same nutrients that cause problems in the waterways can be beneficial to your turfgrass if they remain on the lawn. By leaving grass clippings and leaves on your lawn, you're returning nutrients and organic matter to your lawn and soil, and preventing soil compaction caused by rain and foot traffic. Dead leaves also provide cover for wildlife and insects during the colder months. A light covering of leaves won’t kill your lawn. If you want the leaves to break down faster, use your lawn mower to cut them into smaller pieces that will break down faster.
Option 2. Do you have too many leaves, can't or won't "leaf" it on your lawn? You can bag them and put them out for yard waste collection or rake them to the right of way to put them out for your local leaf collection. Check with your community for leaf collection schedule and ordinances that may apply! Be visible and cautious when raking near the street and storm drains. Watch for road traffic and wear bright clothing or safety gear if you are raking near the street. If possible, avoid placing leaf piles near mailboxes, trees, lights, or signs. Keep leaves out of storm water sewers and stream banks.
Option 3. There is a third option for managing leaves: composting! Composting leaves can create very rich garden soil that we like to call "garden gold." It also reduces the waste entered into local waste streams. According to SWACO's waste characterization study, 76% of the materials thrown away in Franklin County have the potential to be recycled or composted. Moreover, yard waste makes up 3% of Franklin County's waste stream. Check out these yard waste tips from our friends at SWACO.
