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Fall leaf piles not all fun and games
Just try to tell me that the sight of a multi-colored pile of freshly raked leaves doesn't nudge you towards the urge of belly-flopping right into the middle of that organic pile of fun. This was always something I looked forward to as a child, but I fear that very few children get to make these same memories as our cities begin to fill up and creep out. After all of the leaf-filled fun was over on our small 3 acre farm most of the oak leaves were left to scatter about the countryside and go back into the earth from where they originated. But anymore it is unacceptable to leave the leaf litter strewn about the yard. We want our pretty lawns to be litter free; whether it be man-made or organic litter. Passersby view the homeowners as lazy or apathetic; or maybe their lawn service hasn't made the rounds just yet. "What pigs! How dare they leave their leaves on the ground?!" It is irresponsible to send organic waste to the landfill. Yes, I said that it is irresponsible to put leaves and lawn clippings in your trashcan. Organic waste; such as leaves, grass clippings, spent annual flowers, tree limbs and even kitchen waste are using valuable landfill space when they are bagged up and dumped in the big green trucks. It is not a safe assumption that because a waste management company accepts yard waste, that it ends up anywhere different than the rest of the trash. Many other metropolitan areas are getting wise to this idea and creating greener options for their citizens. Even as close to home as Norman, Oklahoma; a composting facility has been created. Commercial and residential parties that are citizens of Norman can bring organic waste to the site. The greatest benefits are the conservation of valuable limited landfill space and, even better, the access to free compost in the spring and fall. It is a win-win-win for the municipality, the citizens and the environment. In parts of Europe farmers have made land available for the use of a composting site. On the campus of Penn State a major composting effort has been designed, through the leadership of two professors, which combines leaves and landscape trimmings from upkeep of Penn State's huge University Park campus in Centre County with kitchen and food service wastes from the university. The result is rich compost that is used in landscaping around the campus. As awareness of this issue grows, it is the hope that more cities will follow in these noble paths. In the meantime, many are left wondering how they can play in their leaves and dispose of them too. What are the options for a homeowner with an earth-kind conscience and limited space? The best option is to use the leaves to make compost. It may depend on the number of trees on a property, but composting does not require a great deal of space. Even the most limited yard can construct a productive compost bin. Leaves can be chopped up using a mulching lawnmower. Mow over the leaves several times before bagging them. This will help them break down more rapidly. The compost bin is not only for leaves, but for lawn clippings and kitchen scraps (never add meat or dairy products to a compost bin). For more specific information on starting a compost pile contact the OSU Master Gardeners at 405-713-1125. After the leaves and grass have broken down only dark rich compost will remain. This can be added into flower beds and vegetable gardens. Not only does this light and airy compost improve the soil texture for plants but it also adds organic nutrients that are required for proper plant growth. If a vegetable garden is already in place the chopped up leaves can also be incorporated into the empty garden and allowed to break down over the winter. Additional nitrogen may need to be added, as micro-organisms that are responsible for degrading the leaves feed on this nutrient while carrying out their important work. Leaves can also be used as a mulch to keep plants insulated over the winter time. A good layer of leaf mulch can be applied in flower beds after the first hard freeze. This practice will help the soil maintain a steady temperature. The constant freezing and thawing causes the soil to expand and contract. The movement of the soil can heave newly planted specimens right out of the ground. If none of these options seem to fit into your busy schedule, try to locate friends who live in the country or have land, and wouldn't mind having the leaves spread out on their land. This is a great way to keep the leaves out of the landfill, but remember to dump the leaves and take the bags home with you. As you run through that pile of leaves this fall do it responsibly. Make a plan of what you will do with your organic waste until a greener option of organic disposal moves to town. Date: 11/6/07
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