“DON’T BURN IT, BAG IT”
Most people can’t imagine fall without the scent of burning leaves, however with the passing of Ordinance No. 655 burning yard waste is no longer an option and the air around Carlisle will be cleaner and easier to breathe. There are however, other alternatives to burning yard waste.
Alternatives to Burning Leaves and Yard Waste:
Mulching
- Adds vital nutrients to the soil
- Prevents wind and water erosion
Shred leaves while mowing and leave on your lawn. Most lawn mowers now come with a detachable mulching blade, or you can purchase one for you mower at a minimal cost.
Use leaf mulch around shrubs and garden plants
- Discourages weeds
- Reduces moisture loss
- Helps control temperature
- Provides a neat, finished appearance
Home composting of leaves for use as a fertilizer and soil conditioner
- A properly managed compost pile emits no odors
- Adds vital organic matter to build up soil and retain more moisture
How to make a leaf compost pile
- Select an out-of-the-way area that is accessible to water.
- Make a 2-foot deep pit or enclose the compost pile in fencing or other framework.
- Place leaves in loose layers, alternating with soil and other vegetative waste.
- Leaves will decompose faster if a high nitrogen fertilizer is added to each layer.
- Keep moist
- Cover with straw, tarp or plastic to retain heat.
- Keep well aerated by frequent turning of the pile after a few weeks to ensure all parts are thoroughly mixed.
Advantages to Recycling Your Leaves
- Save money in costs of peat and fertilizer
- Reduce the city’s waste collection load at less cost to the tax payer.
- Reduce the danger of leaf fires.
- Reduces the city’s air pollution problem as caused by leaf burning.
- Eliminate the waste of a material that could be of benefit to you.
Bag your leaves for collection
“Thank you in advance for being a good neighbor and citizen”