LEAF PICKUP
Most residential leaf collection programs ask residents to rake their leaves close to the curb, but not in the street. Leaves raked into the street can clog storm drains and leach nutrients into the water. Note that some jurisdictions do request that residents place leaves directly in the street. If you live in one of these communities, wait to rake them into the street until the day or week of collection and keep piles away from storm drains.
Leaves and Harmful Algal Blooms
We all know that harmful algal blooms are a serious problem for Lake Erie, but did you know that fallen leaves can also provide the nutrients algae needs to grow?
In a typical ecosystem, nutrients such as phosphorus become trapped in the soil and absorbed by plants. When leaves are left in the streets and gutters, they can be exposed to rain which releases the stored nutrients as a "nutrient tea." When this "nutrient tea" drains out of the leaves and onto the street, it can flow into storm drains and eventually into our waterways. From there, the nutrients from the leaves can help feed harmful algal blooms in the summer.
What are some easy ways to keep leaves from feeding algae?
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Leave the leaves on your lawn! Instead of raking the leaves to your street, leave them on your lawn as free fertilizer. The same nutrients that could feed algae can instead feed your grass and keep your soil healthy.
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If you do rake your leaves, leave them at least 3 feet away from the street to prevent their nutrients from flowing away.
What are some ways that I can use leaves in my lawn and garden?
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Use the leaves in your home composting.
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The U.S. EPA has a great webpage where you can learn more about composting found here: Composting At Home | US EPA
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Use the leaves in place of mulch around trees, shrubs, and flower beds.
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Mow over the leaves to distribute their nutrients into your lawn.
Every Community is Different
Every community has its own unique process for collecting leaves, and some communities require their residents to place leaves in the street for collection. If this is a part of your community's guidelines, you can still help prevent your leaves from feeding algae.
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Wait to rake your leaves into the street until closer to your collection date
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Keep an eye on the forecast and do not rake your leaves to the street if rain is expected.
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Maximize the amount of leaves you use in your lawn and garden, which minimizes the amount that needs collected.
Local Community Leaf Collection Guidelines
Other Leaf Collection Options
Some communities do not have official guidelines for residents. In these situations, communities may provide drop off sites or may direct their residents to local yard waste facilities that will take leaves for a nominal fee.