Why Fall Cleanup in Madison, WI Is Essential for a Healthy Yard and Environment
Fall is a beautiful time in Madison, WI, as leaves blanket the city’s yards and parks in vibrant hues. However, these fallen leaves can have consequences beyond your lawn—contributing to phosphorus runoff that affects local water quality. Proper fall cleanup is not just about aesthetics; it’s also about protecting the environment.
What Is Phosphorus Runoff, and Why Should You Care?
Phosphorus, a nutrient found in decomposing organic matter like leaves, that can enter storm drains during fall rains and snowmelt. This runoff flows into Madison's lakes, rivers, and streams, fueling algae blooms that harm aquatic ecosystems, reduce water clarity, and disrupt recreational activities.
By removing leaves and other debris from your yard, you can reduce the amount of phosphorus entering our waterways significantly, and help keep Madison’s natural beauty intact.
Image: Results from USGS survey on leaf collection and phosphorus runoff. Credit: U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
Your Fall Cleanup Checklist: Protecting Your Yard and Local Waters
Here’s how you can take care of your yard and help the environment:
Rake and Dispose of Leaves Properly
Gather leaves and dispose of them through Madison’s yard waste collection program or compost them at home. Never sweep leaves into the street, as they often wash into storm drains.
Maintain Gutters and Downspouts
Clean out gutters to prevent leaf buildup, which can cause overflow and direct phosphorus-rich water into drainage systems.
Aerate and Seed Your Lawn
A healthy, well-maintained lawn absorbs more rainwater, reducing runoff and preventing erosion.
Mulch Leaves Instead of Piling Them
Use a mulching mower to chop leaves into fine pieces. Mulched leaves can act as natural fertilizer, returning nutrients to your soil without the risk of phosphorus runoff.
Avoid Fertilizers in Late Fall
Fertilizing too late in the season can result in excess nutrients being washed away before your lawn absorbs them. Stick to natural compost or skip fertilizer altogether as winter approaches.
Why Fall Cleanup Matters for Madison’s Lakes
Madison is home to beautiful lakes like Mendota and Monona, which are vital to the community’s recreation and wildlife. Reducing phosphorus runoff helps protect these waters from harmful algae blooms and keeps them clean for everyone to enjoy. Your efforts in maintaining your yard can have a lasting positive impact on the local environment.
Let Campus Hands Help with Your Fall Cleanup
Don’t let fall cleanup overwhelm you! Campus Hands, a student-run service, specializes in home services that include but are not limited to: leaf raking, gutter cleaning, and more. Our team will ensure your yard is prepared for winter while helping to protect Madison’s lakes from phosphorus runoff.
Click Below to Book Your Fall Cleanup Today!
Work Cited:
William R Selbig. "Using leaf collection and street cleaning to reduce nutrients in urban stormwater." USGS, 1 Apr. 2019, https://www.usgs.gov/centers/upper-midwest-water-science-center/science/using-leaf-collection-and-street-cleaning-reduce.
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