As the season changes, fall can become a more and more impressive sight. Most property owners can agree that the first few glimpses of fall are breathtaking. But, after some time, the falling leaves and chilly weather can become more of an annoyance than anything else. Leaf piles, in particular, are an unfortunate part of living here in Michigan; however, that doesn't mean you should burn the leaves on your lawn! Although leaf piles can decrease your property's curb appeal and attract pests, starting a fire on your lawn — or hosting a leaf bonfire — can cause a boatload of problems. Contrary to popular belief, burning leaves can be detrimental to your health and can be a fire hazard. The action is also illegal in many places because of all the adverse side effects it can cause. Continue reading to learn more about why it's a bad idea to burn the lead piles on your lawn.

Burning the leaf piles on your lawn can cause respiratory issues.

Homeowner passed out from smoke from leaf piles in Grand Rapids, MI.

Overgrown leaf piles can be a real eyesore, and you'll likely want to get rid of them as soon as possible. However, you should avoid burning the piles at all costs. The smoke released from burning the leaves can trigger asthma attacks, headaches, runny noses, and even life-threatening complications in some people.

In addition to this, the leaves release dust, soot, and other small particles while burning. People who are nearby can breathe in the residue and suffer from chest pain, coughing, wheezing, and other respiratory issues. The side effects are potentially very serious, which is why you should never burn the leaf piles on your lawn!

Burning the leaf piles on your lawn can be a fire hazard.

One of the biggest reasons that you should avoid burning the leaf piles on your lawn is that it can be a fire hazard! As the leaves burn, they release embers. Those embers can then blow away and cause a fire at someone else's property or at a local forest, making it an extremely dangerous act.

In Michigan, local forests and trees are abundant, and, as the soot and embers begin to blow in that direction, it can lead to very serious consequences. After all, it really only takes a spark to start a fire! It's best to consider other alternatives when deciding what to do with the leaf piles on your lawn.

Don't burn leaf piles — it's illegal in many places, including Michigan!

Huge fire burning from leaf pile and dried lawn in Grandville, MI.

Because there are so many adverse effects associated with burning leaf piles, many cities and towns across the country have banned the action. Unsurprisingly, Michigan is no different. In our state, it is illegal to burn grass clippings and leaves in areas with a population of 7,500 people or more — this act is also known as "open burning."

"Open burning" is not allowed in the state of Michigan because it leads to pollution, poses a health threat, and can cause a forest fire. Avoid getting in trouble with the law this autumn by not burning leaves! Instead, you should hire professionals to remove the leaves from your lawn.

Michigan is home to roughly 20 million acres of forests!

Call us today to schedule our curbside leaf pickup service!

The leaf piles on your lawn can be bothersome and an unpleasant sight. But, burning them is never the answer! If you're not sure what to do with your leaves, you should call us today at (616) 293-0361 to schedule our curbside leaf pickup service! At Rose Landscape Services, we will use our vacuum truck to remove your leaf piles from your curb so you won't have to worry about trying to figure out how to deal with them! We offer this service to property owners in Grand Rapids, Ada, Cascade, and other surrounding areas in Michigan.