What to do with those fallen leaves

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 composting and curb-side pick-up with your compost provider. 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 the next cutting. Leaves and grass clippings are the best fertilizer for your lawn.

Or rake it and leave it! Spread leaves over empty garden beds as a natural cover for winter and rake the rest into a compost pile for a nutrient-rich fertilizer to use on your garden next spring.