BRUSH AND BRANCHES - WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Compost Them
Composting is the natural recycling process that you can begin at home with leaves, grass clippings, and other lawn and garden waste. Brush and branches are high in carbon and can be used as one of the brown yard wastes when making a compost pile. It is recommended that these woody yard wastes be chipped or shredded before being added to the compost pile in order to speed the composting process. Rent a chipper from a local home supply store, or hire someone to do it for you.

Use Them for Mulch
Mulches offer your garden and landscapes many benefits from moisture retention to temperature moderation to erosion prevention. Yard wastes such as grass clippings, leaves, and chipped or shredded brush and branches can be used as organic mulches. Organic mulches are usually applied 3 inches deep over the soil and around plants to achieve the benefits of mulching.

Make a Brush Pile for Wildlife
In more natural settings, yard brush and branches can be reused to form a brush pile for wildlife. Animals use brush piles for nesting, den sites, and shelters.

Disposal
Local opportunities for curbside pick-up or drop-off sites differ by municipality. Check for yard waste drop-off site availability in your community by Community Recycling Drop-Off Sites, or call your municipal hall to find out if your community has scheduled yard waste pick-ups.

Private Drop-off Location for Yard Waste
• The Waste Management Landfill (Orchard Ridge), W124N9355 Boundary Rd, Menomonee Falls. Call 262-253-8620 for fees.