Bismarck: Here’s Why Experts Say You Shouldn’t Bag Your Leaves

Now that we're knee deep into the fall season, soon we'll start to see all of the leaves fall from our North Dakota trees. Granted, we don't have as much of a leaf problem as other states, but they still pile up in our backyards, and can get to be a bit much.

Some of us burn leaves, but most of us bag them up and haul them off. What if I told you that experts are saying people in Bismarck should actually stop bagging their leaves?

(Also Read: Why It's Illegal To Blow Your Leaves Into The Road In North Dakota)

Why You Shouldn't Bag Your Leaves

The first reason you shouldn't bag and haul your leaves is that, according to NPR, 8 million leaves end up in landfills across the country. That's insane when you think about how leaves are organic matter, which naturally decomposes.

Second, leaves are actually good for your grass. The source says they are full of nutrients, like potassium, phosphorous, and Nitrogen.

Another reason leaves are good to have lying around is that they are a natural habitat for insects.

What To Do Instead

Now, I'm not just telling you to stop bagging your leaves without offering a way to help make your leaves a little more manageable. The source says you should optimize your fallen leaves by running over a thin layer of leaves with the lawn mower. This will help them break them down faster.

If you do this a couple of times this fall, you can prevent your leaf pile from getting too thick. This way your grass won't get harmed, and you'll save yourself some time and energy raking and bagging.