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If debris from a tree located in a government-owned space (such as a sidewalk, public school, or government property) falls in your yard, it is the city’s or state government’s responsibility to have the debris cleaned up. On the other hand, most states only hold a neighbor liable for cleaning up their tree’s debris if they were negligent in caring for the tree.

We always recommend wearing a protective mask when blowing leaves (as well as goggles if possible). Blowing leaves creates a lot of dust, and in many cases that dust contains a bunch of allergens that can make those sensitive very miserable. Even worse, moldy leaves can contain fungi and bacteria that could make humans as animals very sick. Mask up before starting your leaf project, and if anyone is helping you collect the leaves it’s a good idea if they wear a mask, too.

No, it’s not necessary to remove all the leaves from your lawn—in fact, leaving some behind can be beneficial. While it's important to clear thick layers of leaves that can smother your grass, leaving a light scattering of leaves can help feed your soil while also providing safe winter habitat for pollinators like bumble bees. Leftover leaves will eventually break down, enriching the soil and promoting healthy lawn growth.

According to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, there are over 10,000 kinds of mushrooms, and some are harmful to both humans and animals. However, not all mushrooms are harmful—some feed on thatch and wood, which provides nutrients for grass and plants. 

But unless you’re a mushroom expert (mycologist), it can be hard to tell poisonous mushrooms from non-poisonous. So if you have kids or pets (or both), removing them is the safest route to take.