Maybe you don’t have a heavy duty chipper like the one in this photo, but there are many alternatives to burning downed tree limbs and branches..
Does your yard resemble a ‘war zone’ of downed trees and limbs after the recent storms? Other than burning, learn what else you can do with this yard waste.
Outdoor residential burning of all kinds is illegal in most parts of the state and is a leading cause of wildfire ignitions. And please get rid of your burn barrel if you have one – they are illegal in Washington.
Before burning yard waste, think about alternatives to burning, such as chipping and composting. This is an easy, practical approach for disposing of many organic materials.
If you have to burn, know the rules first, and choose the right weather for burning. Generally, cloudy days are favorable because the air tends to be unstable and generates enough wind to disperse the smoke and avoid causing smoke disturbances.
Also, outdoor residential burning is a leading cause of smoke and certain pollutants. This smoke can be unhealthy, because the small particles in smoke are so tiny they can easily get into your lungs. People most at risk are children, patients with respiratory illnesses, and adults over 65 years old.
Air quality burn bans may be in effect. Visit the Department of Ecology’s air quality website to find your local clean air agency for burn ban information.
Do you have an overgrown tree or one that presents problems? Remember to use proper pruning techniques, and whatever you do, please don’t top those trees. Doing so will cause extra maintenance and safety problems in the future.
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Tags: DNR, Washington, trees, urban forestry, outdoor burning
