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Time to Rake? Maybe not!

Use (don’t dispose of) fallen leaves and grass clippings.
Posted on: October 25, 2021 - 8:59am
raking leaves

Time to Rake? Maybe not!

Use (don’t dispose of) fallen leaves and grass clippings.

Lynnfield is blessed with an abundance of trees that add to the beauty and special character of our town. However, come fall, we’re usually less excited about raking. But, maybe you can leave a lot of those leaves!

Fallen leaves are beneficial to the environment and to our lawns and gardens. Mulched leaves and grass clippings add valuable nutrient and organic matter to lawns. Leaves form a natural mulch that suppresses weeds and fertilizes the soil as they breaks down. This can save homeowners time and money.

Leaves provide vital wildlife habitat through the winter and into spring. Turtles toads, birds, small mammals and invertebrates rely on leaf litter for food, shelter and nesting material. Many moth and butterfly caterpillars overwinter in fallen leaves before emerging in spring.

Here are some easy ways to deal with yard waste that are better for your lawn and garden, and safer for the environment!

Remove the bag from your lawnmower or use a mulching lawnmower. Mulched grass clippings and leaves release nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus as they break down - essential nutrients for a healthy lawn.

Start backyard compositing. Combine fallen leaves (“brown material”) with grass clippings and other “green material” and keep moist and well mixed. You’ll have nutrient-rich compost to add to your garden next spring.

Drop off your yard waste at the Lynnfield Recycling Center. Click here for hours and details. 

Never dispose of leaves or clippings in or near storm drains, drainage channels, wetlands, or waterbodies. Harmful seepage from yard waste and byproducts of decay will slowly make their way into water systems.

 

Note: The Town of Lynnfield is working to implement its Stormwater Management Program to meet the requirements of the MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems) and NPDES (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) regulations. Content above informed by Think Blue Massachusetts.