Managing Fall Leaves

Winter weather is just around the corner, but there is still time to corral all of those fall leaves for use in your yard/garden while protecting regional water quality and stormwater drainage systems.

If leaves are raked or allowed to blow into streets, ditches, and storm drain inlets, they can clog drains and ditches, increasing the chance of flooding during heavy rain events. Excess leaves in creeks, streams and ponds will decompose in the water and release nutrients that promote algae growth and decrease dissolved oxygen levels, affecting fish habitat.

To prevent these impacts, the best option may be to mow over fallen leaves with a mulching blade, chopping them into small pieces that will decompose easily and add nutrients and organic matter to your yard. You can also use leaves as mulch around plants or add them to home compost piles. In certain cities, residential trash services may offer yard waste pick up, but Boston Mountain Solid Waste District also accepts yard debris at their facility at 11398 Bond Road in Prairie Grove. There is a $10 minimum fee for volumes weighing up to 380 lbs or a $48 charge per ton for leaves and limbs. Leaves and other materials should not be bagged and the facility can only accept limbs up to 6 inches in diameter and ten feet in length. Visit www.bmswd.com for more information and hours of operation.

Here are a few additional preventative actions to help keep leaves and litter out of the storm drainage system and waterways: Do not clean driveways or sidewalks with a hose. Instead, sweep leaves and rake twigs together for mulching, composting or community collection. If you live in town, help clean storm drain inlets in your neighborhood. Make sure they are free of leaves, litter, and other debris, particularly when rainy weather is headed your way. If you live in the county, check drainage ditches to ensure they are free of litter and other items that may prevent proper drainage.

Together we can successfully manage our volume of fall leaves and protect regional water resources.

Katie Teague, County Extension Agent - Agriculture/Water Quality, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service.