BURNING AUTUMN LEAVES

At EDR, we support mulching your autumn leaves, which will turn those dead leaves from the previous season into a fine fertilizing agent, providing nourishing nutrients for your plants and yard come springtime.  If you want to burn those leaves instead, however, following a few tips will go a long way to ensure your safety and the well being of your property and those around you.

·        Call your local fire department first.  They’ll inform you on whether or not there is a burn ban on in your community.  They’ll also let you know if a burning permit is required in your area for such a practice.  If you fail to contact them ahead of time and then they show up at your house with an engine, hefty fines could result.

·        Set aside your leaves for burning.  Your location for this should be at least 25 feet away from structures.  “Fluff up” the pile over a period of a couple of days to help the drying process.  Dry leaves burn easily.  Wet leaves don’t.  Watch the weather for the week ahead of time to pick a time that is right for both you and your leaf pile.

·        Clear a perimeter of at least six feet all the way around your leaf pile.  Nothing flammable should be inside this perimeter range.

·        Light your fire.  Don’t use flammable liquids to accelerate the process.  Dry leaves will burn without accelerants.  Sometimes, getting a small branch to ignite and tossing it onto the pile will speed things along. 

·        Watch the fire.  We cannot stress this tip enough.  You should have your eyes on your fire at all times and be prepared to put out the fire should things get out of hand.  Keep a five-gallon bucket of water handy as well as a length of charged garden hose. Unattended fires draw attention from the neighbors and strangers, who will usually end up calling 911 to report an unattended outside fire.   

·        Once your fire is dying down, hose down the pile.  Smoldering leaves can create noxious gases that can harm you and those around you.  Soak the pile thoroughly.

·        Lastly, gather up your ashes and remnants and dispose of them properly.  Using a metal container is a fantastic way to transport them to their final resting place.

Eric Schlehlein, edited 09/22/2020