Fallen leaves can feed the soil, shelter beneficial insects, and keep organic waste out of landfills, but the popular advice to just leave them everywhere does not always work, especially on Ohio lawns with heavy tree cover. OSU Extension educator Mike Hogan explains why burning leaves is dangerous and illegal in many municipalities, and why pushing leaves into storm drains pollutes local watersheds. Practical alternatives include mowing leaves into the turf, adding them to a compost pile, using shredded leaves as garden mulch, making leaf mold, or taking advantage of municipal yard waste recycling programs. The right choice depends on how many leaves you have, where they land, and whether you want to build soil or simply clear the yard. The article is a useful, local reminder that small seasonal habits can reduce methane from landfills and avoid air pollution from burning.
