3 tips from a local expert on how to dispose of leaves safely this fall in Jefferson County

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Leaves are piling up in Birmingham. (Jacob Blankenship / Bham Now)

It’s leafy in Birmingham! We may love the gorgeous fall colors of yellows, oranges and reds they bring, but they can really build up on lawns. 

To clean up your yard and dispose of leaves properly, we got some helpful tips from Jefferson County. Read on to learn more. 

Dos + don’ts of leaf removal in Jefferson County

Keep storm drains free of debris, including leaves in Birmingham. (Jefferson County)

During the fall season, leaves drop from trees faster than you can catch them. This can quickly lead to an ankle-deep pile or higher covering our yards.

For many, the easiest fix to clearing leaves away is to blow them into a nearby drainage ditch. However, Jefferson County told us this can lead to problems, such as:

• Clogged pipes + drains
• Flooding issues when it rains

The good news? There are many ways to safely dispose of leaves while making your yard leaf-free as the seasons change. 

Jefferson County filled us in on three ways to safely remove leaves from our yards:

1. Bagging
2. Mulching
3. Composting

We spoke with Urban Regional Extension Agent Bronson Lubresky to learn more.

3 ways Jefferson County residents can remove leaves from their yards

Mowing is a great way to mulch leaves during fall. (Jefferson County)

• Tip 1: Rake or blow leaves into piles away from drainage or low-lying areas. 
  • Make your leaf piles uphill of existing trees or shrubs so they can decompose + later feed the plants.

• Tip 2: Help leaves decompose by mowing over or shredding them with a weed whacker. 
  • Leaves can be placed around existing shrubs or landscape plants to protect them + provide them with vital nutrients during winter months.

• Tip 3: Create composting piles by using shredded leaves. 
  • Pick a designated spot in your yard + make a 2-3-inch layer of shredded leaves. 
  • Continue adding food scraps or grass clippings to the pile throughout the winter. Every time you add to the pile, cover it with a thick layer of shredded leaves to boost composition. 

Bonus: Compositing is a great way to prep soil for a spring garden. 

Here’s how to do it:

• Pile up leaves in a desired area, making it at least 6 inches deep. 
• Leaves will decompose + settle over time creating a “safety cover” or “protective layer” over the ground. 
• When the weather begins to warm in spring, rake the leaves away and ta-dah!, your soil will be perfect for planting. 

Benefits of fallen leaves

Loving fall leaves in Birmingham. (Evelyn Mostrom / Unsplash)

You may see your yard covered in leaves and feel the need to immediately remove them. But, according to Jefferson County, fallen leaves are incredibly beneficial to soil and insect organisms. 

This includes many important pollinators that serve as a crucial food source for many birds and other desirable wildlife. 

“Fallen leaves are important to ‘give back’ to any wooded areas where hardwood trees are present. Nature has its own process of utilizing these resources to have fertile soil year after year.”

For more tips, including leaf pickup + removal, visit Jefferson County’s website.

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