Healing Leaves

Many of us look forward to the crisp days and bright display of autumn leaves in [your town]. Once those leaves fall, however, homeowners must decide how to best dispose of them in an environmentally responsible way. Here are some suggestions:

1.  Mulch leaves with a mower, rather than raking them – Mulching leaves with a lawn mower allows for faster decomposition by microbes and worms. This process recycles nutrients and organic matter into the soil, which improves tree and plant health.

2.  Keep the leaves out of the street, and away from storm drain inlets – Leaves left in the street get carried by wind (and rain) to the nearest storm drains. Storm drains lead directly to streams and ultimately, lakes. Too many leaves in streams are bad for water quality.

As leaves decay, nutrients that feed algae leach into the water. This reduces oxygen in the streams and lakes and can lead to fish kills and algae blooms. In addition, leaves clog storm drains, and can cause street flooding.

3.  If you live along a ravine (or stream), do not dump your leaves over the edge – The leaf piles will form thick mats that will not decompose over the winter. The vegetation under the leaves will then die, leading to erosion of the stream bank (or ravine).

Erosion leads to water quality problems and loss of property as the bank slides, slumps or becomes undercut by the high water. Disposing of leaves in this way may also violate anti-dumping laws.

4.  Dispose of leaves in a responsible manner – [Check to see what day and time of the week your city does yard waste collection. What kind of containers should leaves be placed in. Is there a maximum weight that cannot be exceeded? Is there location leaves can be dumped in (rather than having the city pick it up)? What are their hours?][i]

My many falling crimson leaves (in my back yard) remind me of other ones that I will come in contact with at a future location (Heaven) that won’t be a problem like the ones I’m viewing right now.

These leaves (as described in Revelations 22:2-3, 5 below) will have an uplifting purpose. Will you be in this angelic location (after your death) to experience what this unearthly tree has to offer you?[ii]

“The Tree of Life was planted on each side of the [Water-of-Life] River, producing twelve kinds of fruit, a ripe fruit each month. The leaves of the Tree are for healing the nations. Never again will anything be cursed…Never again, will there be any night.” [iii]

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[i] Adapted from the article, “Tips for Managing Fallen Leaves” by the City of Gahanna

[ii] See the post, “Walking in Jesus Boots.”

[iii] The chorus of “No More Night” (as performed by David Phelps)

No more night, no more pain

No more tears, never crying again

And praise to the Great I Am

We will live in the light of the risen Lamb