News Leaf it out! MBC’s plea to residents to put down the leaf blowers
Residents are being asked to avoid blowing leaves from private property onto the street and keep them for compost instead.
For eight weeks during autumn, Maidstone Borough Council’s Street Scene team works tirelessly to tackle the avalanche of fallen leaves across the borough, ensuring streets and pavements remain clear and safe for residents, despite the added challenge of leaves being blown from private gardens onto public paths.
The team visits sites identified by residents as well as known hotspots, keeping an eye out for other areas needing attention along the way. Leaves in these areas are gathered using blowers or rakes, forming piles that allow insects to escape and checks for hedgehogs or other wildlife.
Once confirmed as safe for wildlife, and once litter found amongst the leaves is removed, a leaf sucker collects the leaves and deposits them into a pick-up, where a mulcher blade chops up the load.
The resulting mulch is taken to a green waste processing site. In total, the team removes around 2,500 cubic metres of leaves each season, enough to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Clearing leaves in these hotspots prevents blocked drains and slippery paths, reducing hazards for pedestrians.
So, rather than blowing leaves into the road, it is suggested that residents keep them in their garden or use them to create leaf mould, a fantastic soil conditioner and wildlife habitat.
Leaves are great for gardens, they provide nutrients, improve soil structure, and create habitats for overwintering wildlife. Add them to compost, rake them under bushes, or store them to make leaf mould.
Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environmental Services and Enforcement, Councillor Clive English said: “Our Street Scene team does an incredible job keeping Maidstone safe and looking beautiful during the autumn months.
“Clearing thousands of cubic metres of leaves is no small task, especially in wet weather, and their dedication really shines through. Residents can play their part too by managing leaves at home and supporting our efforts to keep the borough clean and green.”