County: Do Not Rake Or Blow Leaves In Street

Good idea: Raking autumn leaves with the family.

Bad idea: Raking or blowing those leaves into the street or gutter.

As leaves fall in Perry Hall, you may feel tempted to simply push them out of sight, out of mind and into the street. Baltimore County has made it very clear that this practice is dangerous, bad for the environment and illegal.

According to a recent press release, leaves that collect along gutters are a dangerous play area for children. Apparently, these leaves have even been known to ignite! 

Furthermore, leaves left in gutters tend to clog drains and if these leaves eventually make their way to the Chesapeake Bay, they cause algae blooms, which absorb more than their fair share of light and oxygen.

Baltimore County officials suggest that residents compost leaves by allowing them to decompose into garden soil. They can also be mulched with a lawn mower or simply left on the ground as a nutritious natural fertilizer.

Of course, leaves can also be bagged and left out with the trash.

The county provides more information on disposing of yard materials at www.baltimorecountymd.gov/recycling or by calling 410-887-2000.