[Press Release] : What to do with all those leaves

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 5, 2009

CONTACT: Public Works Department
Storm Water Division
(573) 874-7250

What to do with all those leaves
								
	(COLUMBIA, MO) - The rich colors of fall are breathtaking, but
when the leaves have lost their color and fallen in your yard, what do
you do with them? Sweeping leaves into the street degrades water quality
and the health of streams when leaves end up in the storm drains.
Getting rid of leaves properly can serve a more useful purpose. The
following are different ways to dispose of leaves.

Use a rake
	Use a rake to gather the leaves in your yard. If you don't have
one, they can be purchased at a local hardware or farm supply store.
When buying a rake, it pays to also keep a few things in mind. 
●	Make sure that it fits your needs.  
●	Get a rake that has a comfortable grip, which is recommended
since raking is a repetitive motion. 
●	Get one that is 24 inches wide. Anything smaller will prolong
the job; anything larger could strain you.

Mow them
	An alternative to raking leaves on your lawn is to mow them. You
can remove your grass catcher and just let the chopped-up leaves stay on
your lawn as organic matter, a winter mulch that’ll improve the soil
and attract earthworms. 

Have them hauled away
Grass clippings and yard waste are collected weekly when placed with
your regular trash pick-up. Place leaves, grass, twigs and branches that
are too small to bundle in any bag or disposable container.

Take them to the city mulch site
Yard waste may be dropped off at the Capen Park Drive or Parkside Drive
mulch sites.

Re-use them
	Instead of carting leaves to the curb, turn them into compost.
Leaf compost can be a soil conditioner. It increases the water retention
of soils. Leaf compost improves soil structure and provides a fantastic
habitat for soil life, including earthworms and beneficial bacteria.
●	The first method of making leaf compost consists of either
piling your leaves in a corner of the yard or into a wood or wire bin.
The pile or bin should be at least three feet wide and tall. Pile the
leaves, and thoroughly dampen the entire pile. Let it sit, checking the
moisture level occasionally during dry periods and adding water if
necessary. 
●	The second method of making leaf compost requires a large
plastic garbage bag. Fill the bag with leaves and moisten them. Seal the
bag and then cut some holes or slits in the bag for air flow. Let it
sit. Check the bag every month or two for moisture, and add water if the
leaves are dry. 
	Composting leaves is simple, free and effective. If you're lucky
enough to have trees on your property, you've got everything you need to
make great garden soil.

Things you shouldn’t do with your yard waste
●	Do not blow your leaves and yard waste into the street. When
blowing leaves and grass clippings off sidewalks and driveways, always
blow them back into the yard, never into the street. Leaves and grass
clog storm drains and affect water quality.
●	Leaves and grass clippings deposited in the street affect the
efficiency of the city street sweepers. Keep yard waste out of streets
and gutters.
●	Don’t dump yard waste into storm drains! Everything that
enters a storm drain goes directly to local creeks and streams. 
●	If any chemicals or yard debris get on the sidewalk or driveway,
sweep them back onto the lawn to prevent them from washing into local
waterways.
	For more information on storm drains, or tips for yard waste and
compost, contact the Public Works Department at (573) 874-7250 or go
online to www.GoColumbiaMo.com.

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