At this time of the year, many homeowners are dealing with falling leaves. Leaves are a beautiful thing, yet as it pertains to homes, they are something to be wary of. Here are some thoughts on the subject:
- Leaves that pile up rot over time. This can be great for improving soil conditions as they form compost. But it takes 6-12 months for leaves to become compost.
- Rotted leaves that abut a structure can cause rot. Keep rotting leaves away from a house, especially wood siding.
- Leaves can block water flow. Until they compost, they can actually prevent water absorption. This is especially important on terraces, rooftops, and gutters where water flow is critically important.
- Leaves left to dry can become a fire hazard, especially big piles of very dry leaves left close to home. Leaves left where cars park can ignite when a car starts.
- Wet leaves can become slippery especially as they decay, so clear them from walkways and paths.
