PAGE 2-R REAL ESTATE AND CLASSIFIEDS - SEPTEMBER 21-23, 2011
Every fall homeowners are faced with cascades of red,
purple, orange, and yellow leaves falling from the sky. Amid
this rainbow of autumn activity, some people still have "green"
on their minds -- as in eco-friendly ways they can embark
on frill clean-up.
Removing leaves from the lawn and yard is a task that
few people relish. It can often mean hours spent gathering
leaves and then finding ways to dispose of them. Some home-
owners stack leaves at the curb in bins and bags. Others
torch them in a huge bonfire. Still others scatter them to the
stl'eet with a gas-powered blower. While these methods may
be fast or efficient in their own ways, they are not the most
environmentally friendly ways to handle leaf removal. There
are some other tactics you can take. - ........
Instead of thinking about ways to remove leaves, a green-
er idea is to think of ways to repurpose leaves. Even though
they've passed their prime on the limbs of trees, fallen leaves
can be an essential part of the ecosystem after they've fall=
en.
MUCH ABOUT MULCH
Fallen leaves can make an ideal mulch, helping to deliv-
er nutrients to the Soil during the stark, winter months.
Placing shredded leaves around the base of shrubbery and
trees can help insulate the root systems and nourish them.
Decomposing leaves also provide food to soil insects, includ-
ing earthworms.
THEM ALONE
Unless the lawn is completely inundated with leaves, it's
alright to leave some behind. Animals preparing their win-
ter nests or hibernation can collect leaves and use them to
Continue from Page R1
* Respirator or face mask: Cover the nose or mouth when
there is dust or debris in the air that can enter the lungs.
When working with toxic fumes, such as when using spray
paints or chemical lubricants, a respirator can offer clean
air.
* Boots: Proper footwear ensures protection should an item
fall on the foot or when walking where nails or other sharp
items are located.
: *: Fire extinguisher: A fire extinguisher should be near-
by in the event of a mishap.
* First aid kit: An abrasion or cut may occur, requiring
prompt care.
* Gloves: When the hands need to be protected or extra
traction on surfaces is required, gloves can be a necessity.
* Headphones: Safety headphones can protect the ears
against loud, consistent noises from power equipment and
tools.
* Locks: A locked cabinet can store tools, paints, chemi-
cals, and other improvement supplies so that young children
or pets won't have access.
When homeowners take the time to plan, obtain permits,
and secure the needed protection for a job, they help ensure
a safer job that is done correctly.
MOTHER NATURE NEEDS SOME HELP- Raking leaves
is a green way to clean-up the landscape.
insulate their cozy retreats. Leaves can act as fertilizer to
the lawn and also food sources to insects.
GET COMPOSTING
Savvy homeowners who have a compost pile to create
"nlack gold" for their vegetables and flowers can add fallen
leaves to the pile as part of the secret recipe to wonderful
fertilizer. What's more, because this compost pile is likely close
by, individuals won't need to cart heavy leaves long distances
for disposal. Simply wheelbarrow them over to the compost
heap and dump.
RAKE FOR HEALTH
Leaf blowers may make fast work of gathering leaves to
one area, but they are noisy, smelly and burn gasoline unnec-
essarily. Instead, look to the old-fashioned garden rake. A
person won't need to visit the gym that day because raking
can burn hundreds of calories in an hour and work the mus-
cles in the arms and shoulders effectively. For those prone
to blisters, wear gloves and take frequent breaks.
IDEAL INSULATION
Leaves can insulate more than chipmunk nests. Rake
some into bags to place around the perimeter of the home's
foundation for a little extra weatherproofing when it's cold.
Surround outdoor garden containers to insulate the soil of
delicate plants that will overwinter outside or in the garage.
Trees like palms or figs that need to be covered when it gets
cold can get extra warmth from insulating bags of leaves.
ART PROJECTS
Although you can't use all of the leaves that fall from
trees, children and adults can make home decor or art proj-
ects with some of the best of the bunch. String leaves for
autumn decorating garlands on mailboxes or around doors•
Press leaves between waxed paper and iron lightly to make
keepsakes. Place leaves in between pieces of clear contact
paper or laminating paper: Cut around the leaf design and
punch a hole at the top for a hanging string. Use as a book-
mark, ornament or doorknob sign.
The possibilities for green uses to autumn leaves are
many. This fall homeowners can be environmentally con-
scious in their leaf clean-up.
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MONICA EVA'NS, Owner-B vker- 846-2000
PIPER GRESHAM. Agent- 846-9115 HILLARY EVANS,
Agent- 846-2000
412 N. 5th Ave Manchester (next tO the Huddle House)
OFFICE 706-846-2000 " FAX 706-846-4487 Residential - Land - ¢ommer¢ial - Farms
E-mall: ovansrealty@wlndstroam net All listings can be previewed at
Evans Realty Is a Georgia MLS Member & Columbus MLS Member re.realtor.tom
http-J/evansreaity.Georsllamls.tom
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