Love 'Em and Leave 'Em (COC 5/20/11)

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By: markg85 (12 month(s) ago)

Updated presentation - now is version presented at COC Conservation Cafe 5/20/11.

By: markg85 (15 month(s) ago)

Presented at Greenburgh Nature Center on MArch 4, 2011 to landscapers, crews and municipal officials.

Presentation Transcript

Autumn Leaves: Love ‘Em and Leave ‘Em:

Autumn Leaves: Love ‘Em and Leave ‘Em Mark Gilliland Irvington Green Policy Task Force green@irvingtonny.gov

The Problem:

The Problem Unsafe Driving Conditions Runoff Pollution of Waterways Cost of Collection & Removal

Collection and disposal of leaves- annual costs: :

Collection and disposal of leaves- annual costs: Irvington - up to $130,000 Tarrytown - $175,000 Greenburgh - estimated $300k - $400k

LELE Initiative::

LELE Initiative: Your Leaves: Love ‘Em And Leave ‘Em “It’s Green and It Makes Cents.”

LELE Initiative::

LELE Initiative: Removing leaves from our waste stream reduces these problems. Mulching-in-place saves your business time & money. It’s good for the environment. Sell it as a “green” practice. It may become mandatory!

Leave Them On Your Client’s Property:

Leave Them On Your Client’s Property Shred them with a mulching lawn mower and leave them in place. Shred them and use as mulch on borders, flower beds and tree rings. Leave them alone in wooded areas. Compost them in a pile or compost bin (with or without shredding).

Tools of the Trade :

Tools of the Trade mulching mower leaf mulcher/chipper leaf vacuum/shredder Mother Nature

Site Issues:

Site Issues Hardscape areas Landscape beds Wooded areas Too many leaves? (reduction up to 10:1 in volume)

Benefits of Leaf Mulching/Shredding:

Benefits of Leaf Mulching/Shredding Reduces the need for commercial fertilizers. Never have to buy mulch again. Easier and faster than raking or blowing them to the curb. Returns much-needed nutrients to lawn, landscape beds and/or wooded areas. Helps retain moisture, reducing the need for watering in dry spells and reduces stormwater runoff. Protects landscape beds over the winter and helps cool root zones in the summer. Lightens clay soils and gives fluff to sandy soils. Increases biological activity of earthworms, microbes & beneficial soil organisms. Eliminates or reduces yard waste from the entering municipal “waste stream.”

Concerns (about old blow & blow approach):

Concerns (about old blow & blow approach) Blowing of leaves off landscape beds removes leaf duff, loose top dirt and beneficial organisms. Blowing leaves leads to unnecessary noise pollution and aggravation of certain health conditions including asthma and allergies. Transporting and disposing of leaves from curbside wastes energy and contributes to pollution.

Public Outreach:

Public Outreach Educational Materials Grant for Training “DIY” Homeowners Forums for Landscapers, Crews and Municipalities Working with other groups: Grassroots.org, GEF, County, SWEAC

LELE Homepage:

LELE Homepage www.irvingtonny.gov/green