Burn or Rake? Know the Rules Before Disposing of Your Leaves

It's nearly November, and there aren't too many leaves left to fall from the trees and clutter your lawn. Residents have the option to mulch, burn or rake leaves to dispose of them, and here are reminders of how to do so without getting into trouble.

Burning leaves

• Yard waste may be burned in the City of Muskego; however any fires must be at least 50 feet from any structure, utility poles or wires, and at least 20 feet from any water way, ditch, etc.
• Wind velocity must be less than 15 mph, and the wind direction must not take smoke, soot, etc., in the direction of any adjoining building, hanging laundry, etc.
• Implements for putting the fire out must be readily available (shovels, hoses, etc.)
• If the smoke is bothering someone, and they complain, the fire must be extinguished.

Raking leaves to the curb or edge of the street

• DPW operations began on the north side of the city in mid-October. Note that early snowfall could suspend this operation, so the sooner you're able to rake those leaves the better.
• Crews will likely return in another week or two. The DPW will finish operations on November 30, and there will be no spring pick up.
• Please do not leave the piles in ditches, and piles should not obstruct the roadway. Simply rake up to the edge of the blacktop.
• In areas where there is curb and gutter, rake leaves to the edge of the curb so as not to obstruct the gutters. Leaves should not be bagged.
• No tree branches, garden plants, or vines should be mixed in with the piles, please.