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Just Leave It

21 Dec 2021
Just Leave It

Leave your leaves for the birds and the bees!

Written by: Kalah Simpson, Environmental Compliance Coordinator 
 
Have you ever wanted to skip raking leaves, but are worried that they would smother your beautiful lawn? Would you like to stop buying fertilizer every year to keep your grass healthy? If you answered yes to either question, keep reading! 

According to National Wildlife Federation Naturalist David Mizejewski, “Leaves form a natural mulch that helps suppress weeds and fertilizes the soil as it breaks down.” During the winter, leaves decompose and add nutrients to your soil. This natural process will improve your lawn the following spring and reduce the need to buy fertilizer.

In addition to saving time and money, leaf litter supports wildlife. Birds rely on leaf litter to use as nesting material, while caterpillars live in fallen leaves over winter and emerge in the spring.

Follow these three steps to get the most out of your leaves: 

1. In the fall, use a mower or a mulching mower to chop up the leaves. 
2. In the spring, rake excess leaves that have not fully broken down so they do not kill your grass. 
3. After just a few weeks, you will have a beautiful, healthy lawn!

If you dislike the idea of keeping leaves on your lawn, consider raking them into piles around trees or into a garden bed. You will still get the benefits of added nutrients in these areas, while keeping your lawn looking tidy (2). 

If you are still not sold on the idea, use the City of Salisbury’s yard waste collection program. Your collected yard wastes and debris are turned into compost that is available for public use. For more information on our compost program, visit salisburync.gov/Compost.
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Monthly Newsletter

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03/2025Cheerwine Festival T-Shirt Contest, Spring Spruce Up Week, Protect Your Water Bill, Pilot Traffic Circle
02/2025Tips For Cold Weather, Cheerwine Festival on May 17, Join A City Board, Tree Give-A-Away
01/2025Downtown Winners, BlockWork T-Shirt Contest, MLK Weekend, Wine About Winter, Leaf Collection, Recycling Calendar
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11/2024Holiday Events | Safe Shopping Tips | Toss The Grease | Greenway Committee | 130 S. Main St. Survey
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07/2024National Night Out | Footbridge Repairs | Approved City Budget | Citizen's Academy | Hurricane Prep
04/2024Strategic Plan | Mental Health Crisis Line | BlockWork Call For Neighborhoods | Paint the Pavement Call For Artists | Meet the Sculpture Show Artists
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09/2023Rowan Creek Week | Leaf Collection | BlockWork Volunteers | New Deputy City Manager | Bell Tower Brewfest
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07/2023Hurricane Season | RoCo's Homeless Task Force | Waste Assistance Program | Citizen's Academy | Community Fair and National Night Out
06/2023Dive into Local Pool | Humanitarian Awards | Summer Spruce Up Week | City Budget Updates
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09/2022Bell Tower BREWFEST | BlockWork | Salisbury Police Foundation | Transit Month | Rowan Creek Week
08/2022Kudos To Lifeguards | Grant to Fund Flood, Road Sensors | Funds for Family Water Bills | City Awarded For Good Health
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