The Leaf Dilemma

When thoughts turn from fall to winter, we often think of cooler temperatures, sweaters and bonfires, football and all the leaves changing color and covering EVERYTHING! Leaves can be seen as helpful or as a hindrance.

There are a variety of views when it comes to how to tend to fall leaves. There are those that say, “leave the leaves” and those that can’t have one leaf left in the yard.

Whichever side you’re on, we only ask that you pick a solution that keeps them from washing into the street and down to the storm drain.

Here are some facts that might help you find your place in the leaf dilemma. If you want to assist nature and provide a place for a variety of wildlife to overwinter, leave the leaves. Your lawn doesn’t have to be covered in leaves. You can designate locations along the edge of your yard to pile up your leaves and then leave them undisturbed. Chances are, you will benefit from seeing lots more pollinators like butterflies and bees the following spring and summer which means your garden will benefit tremendously, too.

If your HOA won’t allow that option, or you just don’t want large piles of leaves around your yard, you have another option. You can compost your leaves. Tended to properly, they will help to create a nutrient rich natural garden mulch for you to use in the spring. If you have more leaves than compost space, use your mower to mulch the leaves. This will greatly reduce the size of the piles of leaves but still provide a wintering location for native wildlife.

If you prefer to remove all the leaves, please don’t pile them up on the street where they could wash down the storm drains and potentially create a blockage. Get to know your solid waste/yard trash pickup day and coordinate your lawn maintenance as close as possible to their arrival so leaves and debris have less time to travel into streets and drains.

City of Columbia Solid Waste is also here to help by providing designated drop off locations where you can dispose of your excess leaves. During this time of year, the City makes regular posts on social media regarding Solid Waste Leaf Collection Locations. Follow @City of Columbia Government for updates and to find a location near you. Your neighborhood and our free-flowing storm drains will thank you.