Yard Waste and Fall Leaves
Did you know grass clippings and leaves blown into the street during yard maintenance end up in storm drains and waterways? This causes problems in the city’s stormwater drainage system and can lead to flooding. It's also a violation of City Code and can result in fines.
Instead of blowing leaves yard waste into the street try:
- Composting: Researchers found that mulching leaves in the fall resulted in a greener lawn and up to 80% less dandelions the following springs. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers it a form of recycling that prevents filling our landfills, helps prevent pollution, enriches soils and reduces the production of methane gas.
- Mulching: Using a mower to shred leaves speeds up their decomposition. The shredded leaves make excellent mulch and can be used in flower or vegetable gardens as a natural fertilizer and soil conditioner.
For more info, check out the Think Outside the Lawn: Managing Yard Waste & Landscape Debris brochure (pdf)
Blocked Street Drains Can Cause Flooding Unswept debris has the potential to flow into vital drainage systems, creating blockages that could cause flooding during the next rain or snow storm. Please remember that the drains on our streets are there for a very functional and important reason, and avoid letting yard debris (branches, clipping, leaves, etc.) move into the street and possibly down the gutter and into the drain.
To report a blocked drain, please call the City’s Stormwater Division at 719-385-ROAD (7623) or via the City’s free GoCoSprings App (available at https://www.coloradosprings.gov/gocosprings)
Did you know grass clippings and leaves blown into the street during yard maintenance end up in storm drains and waterways? This causes problems in the city’s stormwater drainage system and can lead to flooding. It's also a violation of City Code and can result in fines.
Instead of blowing leaves yard waste into the street try:
- Composting: Researchers found that mulching leaves in the fall resulted in a greener lawn and up to 80% less dandelions the following springs. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers it a form of recycling that prevents filling our landfills, helps prevent pollution, enriches soils and reduces the production of methane gas.
- Mulching: Using a mower to shred leaves speeds up their decomposition. The shredded leaves make excellent mulch and can be used in flower or vegetable gardens as a natural fertilizer and soil conditioner.
For more info, check out the Think Outside the Lawn: Managing Yard Waste & Landscape Debris brochure (pdf)
Blocked Street Drains Can Cause Flooding Unswept debris has the potential to flow into vital drainage systems, creating blockages that could cause flooding during the next rain or snow storm. Please remember that the drains on our streets are there for a very functional and important reason, and avoid letting yard debris (branches, clipping, leaves, etc.) move into the street and possibly down the gutter and into the drain.
To report a blocked drain, please call the City’s Stormwater Division at 719-385-ROAD (7623) or via the City’s free GoCoSprings App (available at https://www.coloradosprings.gov/gocosprings)
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