Lovely to look at as they drift from the trees, autumn leaves left to accumulate on the ground can have negative effects on the health of Hampton Roads waterways. Street flooding, litter "dams" and algae growth can occur when leaves block or enter the storm drain. To combat such consequences, the message from askHRgreen.org is clear: keep leaves and yard debris out of the storm drains. Hampton Roads localities service an average of 45,000 catch basins annually.

Here's what happens when fallen leaves are left untended: 

• Leaves that fall to the ground inevitably accumulate at the mouth of stormwater drains and ditches, causing "dams" that capture both leaves and litter
• These pollutants then clog up the storm drains and ditches causing street and yard flooding (even with light or moderate rainfall)
• Once the leaves that enter the storm drain begin to decay, they release nutrients that contribute to excess algae growth in the waterways
• Algae growth uses up dissolved oxygen needed by fish and crabs and can result in a decline in their populations

• Clean up your leaves and yard debris
• Check with your locality to learn when leaves will be collected and how they should be stored (bagging, placement, etc.) and only place leaves and yard debris out at the designated time 
• Do not rake or blow leaves into the street where they can be washed into the storm drain
• Rake leaves out of the ditches and storm drains
• Consider using the leaves as mulch, mowing over them and leaving the finely-chopped debris on your yard
• If you choose to compost your leaves, contain your compost in a bin
• Never dump leaves or yard debris into ditches, streams, or other waterways 

Start planning now for that beautiful spring landscape! Fall is the perfect time to plant trees, shrubs, perennials or bulbs. Keep these tips in mind during your autumn planting spree:

• Soil Testing & Prep - The fall is the best time to test your soil and it is recommended you do it every three years. Adding the recommended amendments/organic matter (compost/manure) to the soil in the fall gives it ample time to work itself in and penetrate down to plant roots. Do this now and come spring, you'll have soil that is ready to nourish your plants and much less work to do!
• Watering - The cooler temps of the season reduce watering requirements. After that initial deep watering, Mother Nature will often take over. If it doesn't rain, give plants a good drink approximately once a week.
• Mulching - Top the dressing around the base of the plant with mulch (it helps with moisture, temperature and weed prevention). If you choose organic mulch (shredded leaves, pine straw) you'll get the added benefit of decay.
• Planting Trees - Fall is an ideal time to plant trees. When weather conditions are cool, they can establish healthy roots in their new location before rain in the spring and warmer temps in the summer stimulate new growth on top. Choose native trees (Willow Oak, Dogwood, Eastern Redbud, to name a few) that will be beautiful, low-maintenance, well-adapted additions to your landscape.
• Big Picture Planning - A healthy landscape takes planning. The Water Wise Landscaping Guide will help you to plan and design a water-wise yard that will be perfect for your own individual use and good for the environment, too.