Leaves & Fall Stewardship Practices

Fall is in the air, so  it’s time to talk leaves!  In the summer, your leafy trees block out some of the heat from the sun and create memorable pictures the way the leaves dapple the sunlight. In the fall, those once cherished leaves suddenly are a literal pain in the back as we begin the great rake-up.

As you work to remove leaves from your yard, please do not blow leaves and other organic material into the lake.

As we learned in the last SMLA Lake Litter Survey, homeowners and landscape companies continue to use the lake to dispose of yard waste. This practice is not beneficial to the health of SML.

Organic Materials Can Have a Harmful Impact

Any organic material that ends up in the lake contributes more nutrients to the ecosystem as it breaks down. One of the causes of Harmful Algal Blooms is the overabundance of nutrients.

The decomposition of leaves, grass and woody material also decreases oxygen in the water. Organic material in the water can also clog drains, culverts and storm water controls, which can result in flooding.

Excess leaves that accumulate on shorelines contribute to the loss of water depth in shallow areas. Additionally, leaves in shallow water create an unpleasant, slimy sensation underfoot.

Follow the Law and Good Stewardship Practices

The Code of Virginia (§ 62.1-194) states “it shall be unlawful for any person to cast, throw or dump any garbage …or other solid waste [such as yard waste] …into any of the waters of this Commonwealth.  Every such act shall be a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000 or confinement in jail not to exceed thirty days, or both. Every law-enforcement officer of this Commonwealth and its subdivisions shall have authority to enforce the provisions of this section.”

Be a steward of the lake – mulch your leaves, grass clippings and other yard waste. Add it to your compost pile or take it to the nearest collection point.