Keep Your Leaves Out Of St. Louis Park Streets!

From the City of St. Louis Park:

October 25, 2019

Leaves continue to fall from trees in increasing amounts each day. Although street sweepers will be removing leaves from streets around the city, it is important to remember that you should not sweep, push or blow the leaves from your yard into the street. Below are a few important reasons why.

First – It's against city code to push leaves and grass clippings from your property into city streets.

Second – It’s harmful to the environment.

When leaves are not left in yards to decompose, they often end up in the streets where they are washed into storm drains. From the storm drains, they make their way into lakes and rivers where they will continue to decompose and release phosphorus, a nutrient, into the waterbodies. Algae then uses these nutrients to grow in higher levels than normal, turning lakes green, using up oxygen that plants and fish need to survive and decreasing water quality.

Third – It can cause clogged storm drains and lead to water building up roads or minor flooding on roadways

What can I do with my leaves?

Leave grass clippings and leaves on the lawn, use them as mulch, try composting them in your backyard or collect grass clippings and leaves for pick up by the city’s yard waste hauler.

You can also consider adopting a storm drain and keep it clear of leaves and debris!

DO NOT burn your leaves or put them in your regular garbage cart. Burning leaves can lead to air pollution and potential health problems and fire hazards.

Need more information?

Visit the Minnesota Pollution Control’s website for more information.

This press release was produced by the City St. Louis Park. The views expressed here are the author’s own.