Skunks like to forage for grubs in the soil, like worms and insects, but they are also tempted by trash and pet food bowls, so keeping these items out of sight may help keep skunks away. Skunks also like to set up a den in dark places, such as a crawl space or outbuilding.

If you don’t have too many fallen leaves, one option is to leave them in place. They’ll eventually decompose, adding vital nutrients to the soil. But if you have a thick layer of leaves smothering your lawn, you’ll want to either mulch them or bag them up for removal. If you choose to collect and bag your leaves, check with your local municipality on any specific guidelines to dispose of them. Many cities offer curbside pickup if the leaves are disposed of in yard waste bags or containers. 

Some states have bans on disposing of yard waste in plastic bags in landfills. Yard waste takes up space in landfills and releases methane gas when disposed of improperly. It's best to repurpose it naturally to benefit your garden and the environment.

Many recycling facilities accept asphalt shingles and then process and reuse them in various applications such as road construction and pavement. Before recycling, remove any nails or other metal components from the shingles to avoid contamination. If recycling facilities are unavailable, you can dispose of asphalt shingles at a dumping site, but homeowners should check local regulations and guidelines for proper disposal procedures. Hiring a professional roofing contractor experienced in eco-friendly disposal methods can ensure that your asphalt shingles don’t just end up in a landfill.