Leaves in the street don’t just make a mess – they pollute our water. Leaves washed into storm drains release nutrients that feed harmful algae blooms. Keep leaves off pavement and out of storm drains and mulch responsibly on grassy areas.
Leaf and Debris Removal
- Rake early and often – Keep leaves off streets, sidewalks, and driveways.
- Compost or mulch responsibly – Mulch leaves into your lawn or garden beds where appropriate, but only on pervious surfaces like grass or soil.
- Remove leaves from hard surfaces – Collect and properly dispose of leaves on impervious areas like pavement and sidewalks.
- Know the law – In Massachusetts, it is illegal to apply phosphorus-containing fertilizers unless a soil test confirms it is needed or it’s for new turf establishment.
