How you care for your lawn affects the environment, especially during fall when rain washes leaves into storm drains, polluting lakes and rivers with excess nutrients. This can cause algae blooms, kill fish, and reduce water quality.
Here are three simple ways you can manage leaves and protect waterways:
- Rake – Bag your leaves and dispose of them properly through privately-contracted curbside collection or bring them to a yard waste drop-off site. Rake and clean the street and curb line, especially near storm drains, to prevent leaves and debris from entering the storm sewer system.
- Mulch – Use a lawn mower to mulch leaves in place, which can act as a natural fertilizer for grass.
- Compost – Add leaves to your backyard compost as a carbon source to help break down food waste.
Please note it is against City Code to intentionally rake or blow leaves and lawn clippings into the street or onto public sidewalks.
Learn more about proper yard care tips on the Yard & Garden Maintenance web page.