Don ’ t Let the Pretty Fall Leaves Stink Up Our Watershed !
The Leaf Problem The beautiful vivid colors of autumn ’ s leaves are one of Western ’ s Pennsylvania ’ s most prizes assets . On our properties , however , leaves can become a nuisance . In the fall , particularly in October and November , we all struggle to figure out the best way to dispose of leaves on our property . The temptation is to just sweep up the leaves onto the street . The problem , however , with this out of sight out of mind mentality is that leaves dumped into the street , will eventually fall into our storm sewers . The leaf debris , carrying fertilizers and pesticides , combined with other yard waste , eventually gets carried into lakes and rivers , and this waste is untreated and unfiltered . Once in the water this debris releases phosphorus , which promotes the growth of algae blooms that degrade water quality , harming lake and river ecosystems and aquatic life . Leaf debris can also clog culverts , storm drains and pipes , increasing the risk of flooding during heavy rains . There are many alternatives to taking care of the leaves on our property in a responsible and safe way to protect our watercourses !
Off Site Disposal Options for Leaves
-A private refuse hauler may haul away your leaves for a fee . -Many municipalities hold scheduled leaf pick up days . Check your municipality ’ s web-site or contact them by telephone to see if this program is in effect in your community . -There are several composting facilities in Southwestern Pennsylvania that will accept leaf waste and yard debris . Check out the EPA directory at the link below : http :// www . epa . gov / reg3wcmd / composting /
Please , Do Not Burn Leaves ! Leaf burning has often been viewed as a fall tradition , but it is also illegal under the federal Clean Air Act and the Pennsylvania Air Pollution Control Act . Though there are some exemptions to this law , if you live in a densely populated or urban community , there is a good chance your municipality has an ordinance prohibiting leaf burning . Along with leaf burning being illegal , it is very damaging to our air quality and studies show a connection between high levels of particulate pollution , released from smoke , with chronic coughs and respiratory illnesses . It is particularly troubling for those who suffer from asthma , so please do not burn leaves !
Leaf Mulching and Composting : Fall Leaves Can Be A Great Tool for Your Garden oss Township
ROSS TOWNSHIP NEWS
Benefits of Leaves in the Garden -The leaves of one shade tree equate to as much as $ 50 worth of plant food and humus . -Leaves hold 300 % their weight in water making them a great way to keep soil moist in the heat of summer . -Leaves decompose slowly and release their nutrients over time , improving the structure of the soil . -Leaves are an inexpensive and very beneficial mulch that you can use around trees , shrubs , or in flower and vegetable gardens . -Leaves protect against temperature fluctuations and cold weather in the winter . When the leaves eventually decompose , nutrients will be added to the soil and the soil structure will be improved .
The Basics of Composting : Turning Leaves into Mulch Keys to Successful Composting
1 . Organic Materials : A good mix will consist of three parts leaves and one part greens such as fresh grass clippings and garden prunings . 2 . Moisture : Composting materials should feel moist but not overly soggy . 3 . Temperature : Compost should feel warm to the touch except in the cold winter months . 4 . Air : To prevent unpleasant odors that can occur when materials decompose without oxygen , compost should be turned regularly to ensure that air is reaching the center of the pile .
Materials Needed for Composting
1 . Yard Waste , Space , and Enthusiasm ! 2 . Compost piles do not need to be enclosed , although many people use a bin or similar enclosure . 3 . Compost bins can be purchased or you can easily construct one with basic materials such as chicken wire , snow fencing , lumber or used pallets .
Getting Started on Your Compost
A 4X4X4 foot area out of direct sunlight is ideal for your compost pile . Choose an easily accessible spot on a grass or soil base . Organic materials should be mixed , adding water as needed so that materials feel like a moist wrung out sponge . The compost pile should be turned after a few weeks so that the outside layers are exchanged with the center of the pile . Turn compost piles about once per month , except in cold weather . Water can be added during turning if necessary . Be sure to not compost diseased leaves .
Using Compost Compost is ready to be used when it looks dark and crumbly and none of the starting ingredients are visible . One way to test if compost is finished , is to seal a small sample in a plastic bag for 24 to 48 hours . If no strong odors are released when you open the bag , the compost is ready to be used as mulch .
For more information on composting please refer to the DEP web site : http :// www . dep . state . pa . us / dep / deputate / airwaste / wm / recycle / facts / compost . htm
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