Trees shed their leaves during the fall season to prevent moisture loss. When the leaves dry, they can shelter snakes and rodents, which can be dangerous. Also, they can reduce space in your yard. So, how can you eliminate leaves from your yard?
Burning is an effective and fast way of removing leaf litter. Also, it can reduce the cost associated with leaves removal. However, it can cause health and environmental issues, especially if you don’t know how to practice it properly.
Besides, many governments have banned the burning of fallen leaves. In some cases, you may need a permit from your local municipality to burn leaves.
So, why should you burn the fallen leaves when you can use them to make a composting unit that adds organic matter to retain moisture and build up the soil? There are alternatives to burning leaves that enrich your garden soil.
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What are the Alternatives to Burning Leaves ?
1. Mulching
Burning leaves smell can be a health hazard to people with asthma or lung issues. Also, carbon monoxide can result from incomplete burning. If you inhale this gas, it can minimize the amount of oxygen in the blood.
If you want to eliminate fallen leaves while ensuring the safety of your neighbors and family members, you can consider using the leaves as garden mulch.
Leaf mulch can attract vital insects that help to break down the litter, which supports microbes in the soil. Also, mulching leaves act as free fertilizer. They help to add nutrients to the soil.
Instead of burning the leaves, you can use a lawnmower to mulch the leaves and leave them to fertilize your garden.
2. Leaf composting
If your garden has a less desirable soil condition, it is good to turn it into a rich and loamy garden, perfect for growing plants. Leaves contain traces of minerals that trees draw from the soil.
If you add them to your garden, they can feed earthworms and microbes. Also, they can help to lighten heavy soil and retain moisture.
Leaf composting is an easy process. You can compost the fallen leaves directly into the soil or use a bin. When composting in the bin, it is good to keep the leaves moderately moist because too much moisture can hinder the process.
Also, consider a mower to chop the leaves. This is because small leaves can break down faster and do not rot or cause mold easily.
Also: Oil extractor kit for mower
3. Dispose of the leaves
A garden with too many fallen leaves can look unattractive. Also, they can cause flooding or nutrient overload. Luckily, many local municipalities provide curbside pick-up.
Thus, if this service is available in your city, collecting the fallen leaves and blowing them to the curb is an effective way to dispose of the leaves.
It is best to collect the leaves from the yard and put them on the curb when the weather is calm. Windy or rainy conditions can cause flooding due to storm drains.
FAQs about Burning Leaves in your Garden
Which is the safe way to burn leaves?
Burning leaves can cause health hazards or destroy the soil’s nutrients. But there are safe ways on how to perform the process.
Here are tips on how to burn leaves safely
Which is the best method of getting rid of fallen leaves?
Eliminating leaves from your yard is part of good lawn care. The best method of removing leaves will depend on your garden’s needs. What is the soil condition of your yard?
If your lawn requires additional nutrients, you can use the fallen leaves as mulches. When the leaves decompose in the soil, they can add nutrients and help in conserving moisture.
Here are more methods on how to get rid of leaves without burning
Raking of leaves can be a good alternative to burning leaves if you own a small yard. This method is cheap and easy to perform by yourself. Also, you can challenge your kids to see who can gather the most leaves.
A leaf blower is a quick way of removing fallen leaves from your garden. Although this technique can help to remove the leaves faster, it may leave a few scattered leaves behind. In this case, it is good to follow up with a mower to mulch the remaining leaves.
Hiring a leaf Removal Company will save you time. As you know, raking and gathering the leaves in piles requires time and commitment. But if you want to spend your time performing other vital things, you can consider hiring experts.
Is it bad to burn leaves?
It is legal to burn leaves in some areas. But this is not the best option, especially in places with drought.
Leaf burning is a fire and health hazard. The smoke contains toxic gases that can increase the risks of respiratory disorders. Also, they can minimize the amount of air entering the lungs.
To avoid this, you can consider alternatives such as mulching, leaf composting, or disposing of the leaves with a local waste company.
Leaves removal may sound like a time-wasting and tedious activity, but it shouldn’t have to be a headache. You may prefer burning since it is an easy way of eliminating the leaves.
But this method can lead to air pollution by adding carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons. In this case, you can implement other alternatives to burning leaves.
If your garden consists of vegetation, you can consider alternatives such as composting or mulching. And if you don’t grow plants, it is good to research and see the services available to help you dispose of the leaves.
