One of the environmental advantages of trees is that it provides natural mulch for our area. Leaves create a protective coating that help retain soil and moisture and help to regulate soil temperature in the winter. As leaves breakdown, they add organic material and nutrients to the soil and improve the soil structure. We must also not forget that leaves can be a natural wildlife habitat.  Many insects like butterflies and fireflies live over winter in leaf litter, which then support birds and another wildlife.

It goes without saying that there are downsides to leaving leaves on property. Thick masses of leaves can smother grass which may lead to dead patches or fungal disease. If your purpose is to have a neatly manicure lawn, leaves at a messy appearance. And, leaves can definitely be a fire hazard. But they are most dangerous if they pile up around your buildings, under decks, or are around fire areas, like fire pits. I am not certain that ARC investigate are not limited to these critical locations. 

If you truly love living in Ocean Pines, please consider that an abundance of leaves is a natural consequence. Many of our neighbors are elderly and may not get to the properties as quickly as we would like. Some of our neighbors are not year around residents. They will clean the property when they return in the spring.

Is this really how we want to spend our time, policing others about natural consequences to living in nature or should we spend our time policing those who blatantly violate the guidelines of our community? I love our community and I would love to leave pettiness and unnecessary regelation‘s out of our area and our lives.