Leaves in Huntersville North Carolina

I just spent another 2 hours in the yard raking and bagging the excess leaves. Yes, I mulch when I can but a storm is coming, the ground is hard and I did not want to mash the new grass any more than necessary. I also wanted the excess leaves off of the yard. One thing I learned growing up in this area was not to keep these big oak leaves around. Either mulch them up or get rid of them. The big leaves can kill the grass if left on too long. They may also provide a nice place for animals that you do not want in your yard when left piled too high.

The leaves began falling in mid-November this year. So far I have mulched the whole yard 2 times, filled the yard waste container every week, and bagged 51 bags of leaves. I had 2 big oaks cut in June and the final one cut down the first of October. I only have 2 dogwoods left.

I put the down payment on the 7th lot in Shepherds Vineyard in April 1987. I closed on the house in November of 1987. At that time the town sent a vacuum truck through to collect the leaves left at the curb. A few years later they changed garbage service and the bagging started. A few years later, they limited the pickup to 20 bags per week. Now it is 5 bags per week except for pickups between November 1 and January 15. They will take 10 bags on those weeks.

I have missed holiday events to clean the yard. I have raked and mulched when it was cold and raining. I have also worked to the street light in the front and the security light in my backyard.

It is time for my neighbors to quit letting the big oak leaves pile up in the yards and curbs and then blow into my yard when the weather changes. If they do not know how to mulch them, they can learn. I just searched “mulching oak leaves” online. There are a number of valid sites to read.

I have bit my tongue over the years because small children were around a couple of these homes. However, the time for being polite and nice is over. I called the town last week and again this week. I have not seen any sign of help. I have decided to post this blog. I have also decided to write this blog entry as a letter to the editor and mail to both of the local papers. I am also going to research signs because I have an idea for holiday signage that may get the message across. However, the signage may be illegal and I do not want the town hollering about that.

I try to be considerate of my neighbors. I wish I could say the same for a couple of my neighbors.