“Rake it or Leave it!”

Fall is here and most of us have begun the task of leaf removal from our lawns.  Here are some quick solutions for how to dispose of your yard full of leaves:

Rake it! Follow the guidelines of your community for curb-site pick up.  If you’re asked to put leaves in the street, wait until just before collection day.  Never rake them into or near storm drains, ditches, creeks or the river.  Decaying leaves use up the water’s oxygen, harming stream inhabitants. 

Leave it!  Mulch leaves by running over them with your lawn mower at next cutting.  Leaves and grass clippings are the best fertilizer for your lawn. 

Or, Rake it and Leave it!  Rake leaves into a compost pile for a nutrient-rich fertilizer to use on your garden next spring.  

-Chagrin River Watershed Partners, Inc.

Adapted from Huron River Watershed Council, Ann Arbor, MI

-Lake County Stormwater Management Department

For more information, contact the Lake County Stormwater Management Department at 440-350-5900.