Without pickup, leaf burning a must

Leaf burning should not be outlawed in rural areas. People who live in places where leaf pickup is not offered should be allowed to burn their leaves in order to get rid of them. Since leaf pickup is not offered, leaf burning is the fastest and easiest way to control the excessive amounts of leaves in one's yard.

If one decides to burn and has neighbors who are in proximity to the house, burn days could be set up inside their community to ensure that no one is caught off guard. The ash from the leaves can even be used to line flower beds or simply be swept away.

If leaf pickup were offered everywhere I am sure that the people would embrace it fully. However, sadly, it is not, so burning them is the next best way to relieve oneself of leaves.

Ryan Nightingale

Elgin