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Your neighbor is not in a good position to know if your trees are truly dead or pose any kind of danger. That’s why hiring an arborist or tree service expert can be such an important part of the process. If the trees are still alive and don’t pose any threat, you’re in the clear (but you may want to document and photograph everything in case events turn sour down the road).

But if a tree is visibly dead and near the property line, you should remove it to be safe. If a dead tree falls on a neighbor’s property, they may have grounds to sue for negligence. If any branches on trees have died, it’s a good idea to cut them back for similar reasons.

Dawn dish soap is typically too abrasive to use on plants, even when diluted with water. The soap contains detergents that can strip away a plant's natural waxes and oils, which are there to protect the leaves.

Should you decide to make your own soap spray insecticide, it's important to choose a gentle soap that doesn't contain detergents or surfactants. Castile soap, such as Dr. Bronner’s, is a good pick.

It’s unlikely your leaves are a hazard, especially if you get to them while they’re dry. However, a couple of rare risks exist. University studies suggest that decaying leaves can produce organochlorines, toxic pollutants similar to man-made PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), so avoid keeping them in an enclosed area.

Also, leaves and compost may cause the growth of fungi that can cause diseases like histoplasmosis and aspergillosis, as well as mold spores that are unhealthy for human lungs. Again, severe issues are rare, but those with compromised immune systems or allergies to mold should wear face masks when directly handling leaves.

Lazy composting involves putting leaves, grass clippings, and plant trimmings in a corner of your yard and letting nature take its course. There is no turning, watering, or balancing green and brown materials. It’s a low-effort, long-term approach that can take up to one or two years to create finished compost. It is perfect for gardeners who don’t mind waiting and want a no-fuss way to repurpose organic waste.