Our Opinion: Don't leave your leaves for your neighbor

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For municipalities, balancing property rights and the public interest isn't easy.

You may think that gutted deer hanging from a tree in your front yard is a thing of beauty. Your neighbor might not.

But there are some things that shouldn't need legislating. They fall into the category of common courtesy.

We've heard multiple complaints about one of those things recently: leaves.

Many local yards are inundated with fallen leaves, which can be a beautiful sight this time of year. But, in haste to remove leaves from yards, some property owners blow the leaves into streets or onto their neighbor's property.

So when blowing, raking or mowing your leaves, make sure they don't leave your property.

The city recently issued a news release asking property owners to refrain from raking leaves in the streets, where they can clog stormwater inlet grates and block drainage.

Residents also should avoid disposing large amounts of leaves in creeks and along creek banks. Leaves "suffocate the established vegetation whose roots are holding the soil in place," speeding up creek bank erosion, the news release states. The decomposition of large amounts of leaves in creeks also can reduce the available oxygen for water-dwelling insects, fish and amphibians.

There are various options to deal with leaves. Raking and mulching them is a preferred method for many, because it results in high-quality soil that can be used for gardening.

The compost facility at 2417 Southridge Drive also accepts bags of leaves.

Burning the leaves is another option this time of year that can be done during daylight hours and within 10 feet of your property line. Again, consider common courtesy when burning.

If the cold weather breaks and your neighbors and their kids are all outside, for instance, it might not be the best time.

When dealing with leaves, adopting the Golden Rule often could avoid problems between you and your neighbors. If you're doing something that affects them, consider if the roles were reversed. Would the behavior upset you? If so, consider doing things differently.

News Tribune



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