Reusing Yard Debris

Or
How To Improve The Health And Quality Of Your Yard And Garden By Using Grass Clippings,
Leaves And Wood Chips

On average, yard debris accounts for 18% of all the material buried in Illinois landfills each year. During the summer and fall months, yard debris can amount to 50% or more of residential trash (with collection and disposal costs at about $90 per ton).

How To Use Yard debris:

	1. Grass Clippings
	Leave them on the lawn Mulch Compost		Grass clippings can be spread in thin layers over vegetable and flower beds, or mixed with leaves and spread in a thin layer.
	2. Leaves
	Mulch Compost		Leaves of deciduous trees and shrubs can be spread around shrubbery in the fall.
	3. Wood Chips
	Mulch Pathways		Wood chips can be used around trees and shrubs or to make a good-looking long-lasting path.

Grass Clippings:

Successfully recycling grass clippings back to your lawn requires only the kind of attention all lawns should have on a regular basis.
1. Mow when your grass is dry and 3" to 4" tall. Never cut it shorter than 2" to 2 - 1/2" in height. Never cut more than 1/3 the height at one time. This height will allow your lawn to have a larger and deeper root system, making a stronger defense against weeds and droughts.
2. Use a sharp mower blade (a mulching mower is not necessary). A sharp blade and frequent mowing will mean finer clippings that will decompose quickly.
3. Avoid over-fertilizing your lawn. If it becomes too dense with growth, your clippings won't reach the soil to decompose.
4. Limit the use of lawn chemicals. Save money and allow soil organisms to thrive and return nutrients to the soil by decomposing grass clippings. Only apply chemicals when lawn problems have been correctly diagnosed.
5. Grass selection can affect thatch build-up. The following is a list of grasses from the least to the most thatch forming: Fine fescue, perennial ryegrass, tall fescue, Kentucky bluegrass and zoysia grass.

Mulching:

Mulch reduces evaporation from the soil surface, controls weeds, and keeps soil temperatures from becoming too hot or too cold. Mulch also protects sloping ground from soil erosion and it stops soil crusting of wet soils as they dry out.
In addition, mulch improves soil conditions for earthworms and other soil organisms that are necessary for a healthy soil environment. When organic mulches break down, they provide nutrients necessary for plant growth.

Composting:

Composting is the controlled decomposition of organic materials using aerobic bacteria. The composting process reduces material volume by 70-80 percent. By using compost you return organic matter to the soil in a usable form. Organic material in the soil improves plant growth by loosening heavy clay soils, which allows better root penetration; by improving the capacity to hold water and nutrients in sandy soils; and by adding essential nutrients to any soil. Improving your soil is the first step toward improving the health of your plants. Healthy plants help clean the air, conserve our soil and beautify our landscapes.
Learn how to create your own compost.

Other Savings:

Fewer trash bags to buy
Reduces water usage
Reduces the need to purchase soil conditioners
Eliminate the need to purchase exotic or imported soil amendments

A brochure entitled "A Homeowner's Guide to Recycling Yard Debris" is available.

For more information on composting or a copy of the above brochure, please contact the Urbana City Arborist at 384-2393.

Comments or inquiries about this page may be directed to City Arborist Michael J. Brunk at 384-2393.