Should I Burn Leaves?

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

26 Oct 2007 07:05 AM

Before you decide to burn leaves, please take some things into consideration. First, it may very well be illegal in your area or you may be under a temporary burn ban if it's been unusually dry. Also, please consider how easily such fires can get out of hand. For those that do burn, please keep a hose nearby and call your fire department in advance to let them know you intend to burn.

Burning leaves (or other trash) also causes pollution. Certainly, this doesn't come as a surprise. However, some people may not realize the health issues burning leaves and other refuse can create, from minor irritations to carbon monoxide poisoning.

So, what should we do with all those leaves? First try some of our great projects using leaves. Here are a couple I think you'll like:

Contemporary Fall Wreath Ideas

The Autumn Table: Pretty Plates

That should use up a tiny fraction. Now, what to do with the rest? Well, they can be bagged up. Some areas will collect them, so find out if your locale offers this service. You could also rake them into a pile and jump in. Yeah, that might be fun, but it doesn't get rid of the leaves.

Some people use blowers or put a bagger on the lawn mower and collect the cut up pieces of leaves along with grass clippings. This is a great idea if you intend to compost.

If you just pile up leaves, especially dry ones, the pile will last for what seems like forever. However, you can create a compost pile with leaves, and then try this advice from the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at Purdue University:

Mix the leaves "with green plant materials, such as grass clippings, garden discards and produce scraps. Or you could add a source of nitrogen, such as livestock manure or commercial fertilizer. Mix (turn) the pile occasionally to keep a good supply of air in the compost."

In a few weeks (or a few months), you'll have material that's ready to use atop soil that you'd like to make richer for future use. This is a great way to use up leaves and use natural methods to get your garden spot ready for next year.

Yard and Garden: Composting

Product Review: Leaf Collectors

Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

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