Fall Leaf Clean-Up Tips

Many leaves will naturally fall into our creeks, waterways and streams, but it's important that we don't add excess leaves by directly raking leaves into bodies of water or stormwater drains. Excessive decaying leaves use up the water's oxygen, harming animals that live in the water. Leaves can also clog up drains creating stormwater flooding in your neighborhood.
Here are some tips to help keep our stormwater system clean and free-flowing:

  • Never rake leaves into your storm drains, ditches, creeks or rivers.
  • Have a storm drain near your home? Act as its guardian angel and do your part to keep it free of litter and leaves.
  • Remove leaves from your gutters, ditches, driveways, sidewalks and streets.
  • Fall is the best season to fertilize your lawn. Mulch leaves by running over them with your lawn mower at your next cutting. Leaves and grass clippings are great fertilizer for your lawn.
  • Rake leaves into a compost pile for a nutrient-rich fertilizer to use on your garden next spring.
On a related note, during routine fall tune-ups, check your car and lawn equipment for leaks. A good rainstorm can send gasoline and oil drips from automobiles, lawn mowers and power equipment into waterways.

If you have any questions about floodplain requirements, flood insurance or stormwater issues, please contact Joseph Moore, the City’s Deputy Building Commissioner and Floodplain Manager, at jmoore@marylandheights.com or (314) 738-2243.