What to do with fallen leaves?

Forest Service offers advice to reduce fire risk around homes

Fallen leaves can provide environmental benefits in the yard if they are safely cleared from buildup around a home or wooden outbuildings. COURTESY PHOTO | TEXAS A&M FOREST SERVICE
Fallen leaves can provide environmental benefits in the yard if they are safely cleared from buildup around a home or wooden outbuildings. COURTESY PHOTO | TEXAS A&M FOREST SERVICE

Even though it’s the Christmas season, autumn is still here, and leaves are continuing to fall across the state. Those leaves build up around homes and yards.

Fallen leaves have many benefits to the ecosystem when left alone, but they also can become a wildfire hazard if they remain in the wrong places. The key around your home is finding the balance between removing and leaving them.

Embers are the…