October Focus: Leaving the Leaves

Don’t throw away fallen leaves!(Bagged leaves set out with the trash, will not be composted)

Leaves left on the ground:

• Provide habitat for wildlife and insulation for pollinators during winter. 
• Act as a natural fertilizer and improve soil health.
• Reduce solid waste. 
• Reduce carbon emissions and pollution from lawn and garden equipment.

What should you do instead?

• Leave them were they are.
• Create a leaf pile and allow it to decompose naturally or add it to an existing compost pile.
• Rake leaves into garden beds, around trees or in between crops.
• Store them in an out-of-way corner or spare compost bin for future composting or mulching. 

Mark your calendar! October is National Leave the Leaves Month. 
Check out this link to see best practices for handling leaves. 
Visit this website to sign up for Carmel’s composting service through Earth Mama Compost.