UPDATE:

If you are a property owner in Buncombe County, have storm debris on your property and do not have insurance to have it removed you may qualify for the Private Property Debris Removal Program.  Go to the link below to learn more!Private Property Debris Removal Program

Debris Management Options

Composting, shredding, mulching, burning and hauling are ways yard waste can be handled during normal times. Given the enormous amount of plant material down on the ground at this time, post Helen, there is not any single good method to suggest. Below are a few ideas that might help manage the amount of material needing to be addressed.

COMPOSTING

During a “normal” gardening season kitchen scraps, grass clippings, leaves and disease free material from the vegetable garden can be easily composted. Composting utilizes microorganisms like bacteria, fungus and soil insects to break the material down into something that can used to amend soils and potting media.

Active and passive composting are two effective ways depending on your goal and aspirations. Like the names suggest, active composting involves building, mixing and turning to where the material heats up and over time breaks down to about a third the amount and provides a dark, crumbly, earthy smelling soil. The passive method, on the other hand, does not require any activity other that pulling the material together and leaving it be. After a year or so the material should be ready to use.

Compost is an excellent amendment when applied to heavy clay soils to help with water drainage and holding and providing nutrients.

To read more about composting check out the Composting Chapter 2. Composting in the Noth Carolina Extension Gardener Handbook

SHREDDING AND CHIPPING

Branches and twigs and other small diameter woody material can be shredded or chipped and used for walking paths or mulching trees and shrubs. Do not incorporate fresh chips into the soil as an amendment, the decomposition process removes available nitrogen away from growing plants.

A WORD ABOUT MULCH.... Mulch applied 2 – 3 inches helps conserve soil moisture and prevents weeds from growing. Around trees and shrubs, keep mulch 6 inches away from the truck or main stem of the plant and extend it out to the drip line if possible. Mulching the root zone of large mature trees helps protect shallow and exposed roots. Over mulching can lead to growth of shallow roots which can become damaged by extreme weather conditions, heat and cold, or exposed to pesticides and fertilizers.

Hügelkultur

“Hügelkultur” (pronounced hyoo-gul-kulture) is a German word that means mound culture or hill culture and is sustainable method of using wood and other materials to create raised beds for planting. There is a lot of information available about this method. This fact sheet from Oklahoma State is a great starting place.

BURNING

Burning is an option that should only be considered when other options are not available.Use extreme caution when burning following the guidelines below.

• Use small three feet in diameter and height piles.
• Maintain clearances of 25 feet around burn piles.
• Have a method of extinguishment.
• The area has not reached or is forecasted to reach humidity and wind levels to constitute a burn ban. This information is analyzed daily by the "fire weather forecast" as published by the N.C. Forest Service. Conditions and forecasts are constantly monitored.

Burning household trash, building materials, asphaltic materials, card board, processed wood, and papers is PROHIBITED at any time

Due to certain air quality concerns, burning of leaves, brush and yard waste is only allowed on what they call “burning days” between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. To find out of it is a burning day call (828) 250-6767 or visit ABAirQuality.org.

All of the natural material that comes from our gardens and landscapes provides an important resource that if managed well supports soil health and the growth of the plants and animals and insects that depend on them. To be good stewards, even in the face of a devastating weather event, is one way we can contribute to the well-being of our community.