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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.

The fastest way to rid your yard of pesky stickers or burs is to go mechanical on them with a lawn mower or garden rake. Use a lawnmower with a bagger attachment to avoid spreading the seeds around and causing a bigger issue. If you choose to rake the stickers off the plants, be sure to dispose of them properly. Avoid putting them in with the composting and check local guidelines for disposing of lawn waste.

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.

A pre-emergent herbicide is the most effective way to avoid stickers growing in your yard. However, if some manage to make it through, a post-emergent herbicide is the most effective way to kill them. However, environmental concerns exist when using chemicals on a lawn. Try vinegar or baking soda applications to kill sticker plants for a more natural yet still effective method.