Time for Spring Clean Up!

A few words from Ray Byers Jr.

As we get fully into the spring season, it’s only natural that our attention turns to cleaning up our homes and gardens. Everything seems to want to grow with the combination of sunshine and spring showers.

Many of us find pine needles, leaves, and broken branches as part of getting our gardens and home exterior in order. Here are a few tips to help you get your spring cleaning done, make your home more fire safe, and protect our air quality in the process.

1. Raking up and stacking debris to burn is only one alternative. Take these suggestions from Nevada County’s Fire Safe Council or check in with your local Fire Safe Council:

“Before you consider burning, please consider alternatives such as composting, chipping or curbside green waste pick up. The local UC Master Gardeners (530) 273-0919 offers composting workshops throughout the year to make the most of your green and food waste. Waste Management operates a curbside green waste pick up. The service works well for properties in a maintenance phase. The bi-weekly green waste pickup alternates with your recycling pickup and costs less than $5.00 per month. Contact Waste Management for details at (530) 274-3090.”

2. Did you know that it has been illegal to burn wet leaves and pine needles in Nevada County since 2007? Check in with your county as well. This is part of California State’s Air Quality Policy. This is because burning has a tremendous, lasting impact on air quality.
3. If you do choose to burn, confirm that it it is legal and that you are following safe practices by calling the Fire Safe Council or Northern Sierra Air Quality Burn Day Info for Western Nevada County at 530-274-7928 or visit AreYouFireSafe.com

Lastly, whether you are clearing debris or planting a new flower bed or clearing debris, take it easy and don’t overdo it. We hope to see you next weekend at The Union’s annual Spring Home, Garden & Lifestyle Show, on April 22 & 23 at the Nevada County Fairgrounds in Grass Valley. Stop by Byers and see how we can help you maintain a safe, well-cared-for home.

Thanks for stopping by,

Ray Byers Jr.