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If you have a large area of brush and vegetation to clear, forestry mulching may be the best option. This method works well for relatively flat areas that don’t have many large rocks or mature trees to clear. Forestry mulching is a relatively quick process that improves soil health, reduces fire risk, and leaves behind usable mulch.

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.

While a river may seem safer than the street, blowing leaves into the water can cause a lot of problems. Leaves can alter the local ecosystem, encourage bad algae growth and block narrow waterways. In large numbers, leaf debris can lead to fish death events in nearby bays or lakes and require expensive dredging to address. That’s why many cities also ban blowing leaves into water.

Weeds may grow back when pulled out if the root is not completely removed. Invasive weeds can regrow from just a small portion of remaining root, so using a weed-pulling tool can help ensure you remove the entire root. Weeds may grow back faster if roots aren’t fully removed, and incomplete removal could cause them to spread as well.