Ah, fall in Maine – a magical time when the landscape transforms into a stunning mosaic of reds, yellows, and oranges. But as the leaves start to tumble from the trees, they create a picturesque problem: what to do with all those fallen leaves? Fear not, fellow Mainers! Here are some ideas to help with the mess.
Leaf It to Composting
Maine is known for its eco-conscious population, so let's start with a sustainable solution: composting. Fallen leaves are a valuable resource for your garden. They break down into nutrient-rich compost that can improve your soil's fertility and structure. Here's how to get started:
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Collect the Leaves: Rake or blow leaves into piles. Make sure they're free from trash or debris.
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Shred 'Em: Use a leaf shredder or a lawnmower with a bag attachment to chop the leaves into smaller pieces. Smaller pieces decompose faster.
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Layer It: Add the shredded leaves to your compost pile, alternating with green materials like kitchen scraps, grass clippings, and yard waste.
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Turn and Wait: Regularly turn your compost pile to aerate it. In a few months to a year, you'll have rich compost for your garden.
Leaf Jumping Extravaganza
Who can resist the temptation of a freshly raked pile of leaves? Turn leaf cleanup into a fun family activity:
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Rake the Leaves: Get everyone involved in the leaf-raking process. Make it a friendly competition to see who can make the biggest pile!
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Jump In!: Once the pile is sufficiently fluffy, take turns jumping into it. It's a classic fall activity that's guaranteed to bring smiles.
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Clean Up: After the fun is over, bag up the leaves for disposal, use them for composting as mentioned earlier or leave them in a wild area of your property for the pollinators, animals and plants to use as cover.
Leaf Mulch for Your Garden
If you have a garden, don't let those leaves go to waste. Use them as mulch to protect your plants over the winter:
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Prepare the Beds: Clean up your garden beds by removing dead plants and weeds.
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Spread the Leaves: Cover the soil with a layer of leaves, about 2-3 inches thick.
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Mulch it In: Gently scratch the leaves into the soil's surface without disturbing your plants' roots.
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Protect and Insulate: The leaf mulch will insulate the soil, preventing frost heave and providing nutrients as it decomposes.
Now, let's talk about disposing of leaves responsibly. Here's the dump information for Brunswick and Topsham:
Brunswick Recycling & Trash Disposal:
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Location: 946 Mere Point Rd, Brunswick, ME 04011
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Phone: (207) 725-6651
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Hours: Monday-Saturday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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Accepted Materials: Leaves, yard waste, and other household trash.
Topsham Transfer Station:
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Location: 48 Meadow Cross Rd, Topsham, ME 04086
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Phone: (207) 725-1727
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Hours: Wednesday & Saturday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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Accepted Materials: Leaves, yard waste, and household trash. Check for specific regulations on composting.
Remember to check their websites or call ahead for any updates or changes in hours or accepted materials.
So, there you have it, Mainers! Embrace the beauty of fall and make the most of those fallen leaves. Whether you're composting, having a leaf-jumping party, or mulching your garden, dealing with leaves in Maine can be both fun and eco-friendly. And when it's time to dispose of them, Brunswick and Topsham have you covered! Happy leaf season!
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