Leaf Removal in Cleveland, OH
Many people associate flowers, produce, and plant-derived products with warm-weather locales like California. However, Ohio has plenty of bragging rights of its own when it comes to tree-based and plant-based production. Ohio is the leading state in the nation for nursery plants and greenhouses. It also has one of the biggest rubber-producing facilities in the country. Ohio's nickname is "The Buckeye State," which is a tribute to the fact that the Buckeye tree, which produces signature brown and white nuts, is its state tree.
As an Ohio resident, therefore, you're probably just as proud of your trees and yard. Even though they might not provide you with commercial value, they still hold plenty of aesthetic value and appeal. But having a property with plants, trees, and flowers also means you need to put in some work to maintain them and keep your property healthy and strong year-round. Since Ohio's climate is temperate, it typically experiences hot summers, cool falls, and cold winters. While the trees in your yard might look magnificent in fall, you'll need to remove the leaves before winter for a healthy lawn in spring.
The Importance of Leaf Removal
In the industry, there's a saying that if you can't see your lawn, it can't grow. Whether that means it's covered by snow, natural debris, or manmade objects, essential amenities like water, sunlight, and nutrients can't permeate the soil and reach the roots of your floral species if the ground is covered. Therefore, even though it may seem like a chore, it is important to pick up the leaves from your yard before winter arrives with snow and ice. Otherwise, you'll go from having one impermeable layer (thatch) to another, which is snow.
The choice of how to remove your leaves in the fall is up to you. It also depends on how much leaf debris accumulates on the surface. Many people tackle leaf removal with a mechanical blower. Some choose to rake the yard instead. You can also compost the leaves. If you're not sure about how the best way to remove leaves from your yard, contact Lawn Love, your local lawn care experts, for suggestions.
Trees in Ohio
As a state with four distinct seasons, you'll find a wide variety of trees that grow successfully in Ohio. These are some species that add color to your Ohio property.
- Alder
- Aspen
- Beech
- Birch
- Buckeye
- Dogwood
- Elm
Alder trees are technically part of the birch family. They do well in partial shade and prefer moist soil. Alder trees drop their leaves in the winter. They can reach heights of up to 80 feet and are commonly used for both commercial and residential decorative landscaping. There are about 35 species in the family. If you see egg-shaped leaves in your yard in the fall, they likely come from the Alder.
Aspen, which includes Quaking aspen, is another native Ohio tree. Aspen reaches heights of 20-80 feet. Its trunk ranges from three to 18 inches in diameter. Aspen trees have green leaves for much of the spring and summer, but in the fall their leaves turn a spectacular golden yellow hue. This species is known for its smooth bark that ranges in color from yellow-white to yellow-gray and green-white.
There are 13 species in the Beech family. These deciduous trees are native to North America, Asia, and Europe. Beech trees have bark that is thin, light gray, and smooth. Although it is a hardwood tree, it retains its sleek, relatively soft bark even after it matures. The Beech is a long-living species that can live to be 300 or 400 years old. It can reach 80 feet in height.
Birch trees are deciduous. Their leaves turn shades of yellow, orange, or red before falling. There are nearly 60 species in this family. Some are classified as threatened or endangered species. Ohio's Department of Natural Resources notes that River, Yellow, and Black are the most common birch varieties in Ohio.
Naturally, the Buckeye is one of the most prominent trees in Ohio. Buckeye was designated as the state's official tree in 1953. It gets its name from its unusual nuts, which are brown with a white interior. They are believed by many to resemble a deer's eye, which is how the tree got its name. Buckeye enjoys shade and moisture. Naturally, it grows in floodplains and alongside streams.
Dogwood reaches heights of 10-25 feet. They have about a six-foot diameter. Dogwood produces stunning white or pink flowers in the spring. The blossom is also North Carolina's state flower. Dogwood is another species that loses its leaves in autumn.
Elm trees have been in Asia for about 20 million years, but they are much more recent newcomers to the United States. Elm trees have a broad canopy, which makes them an excellent choice for people who want shade in their lawn.
Things to do in Cleveland
Once you've cleaned up your lawn in time for the long winter, you'll have more opportunities to get outside and enjoy Cleveland's lovely fall weather. If you're looking for outdoor events, there are many to check out.
Chalk Festival
Taking advantage of autumn's sunny and dry weather, the Cleveland Museum of Art hosts the annual Chalk Festival in the fall to highlight some of the city's most talented chalk artists. The festival is conveniently close to the Cleveland Botanical Garden, which is also a beautiful spot to check out in the fall.
Crocker Park Wine Festival
This wine festival is a popular event for city residents and visitors alike. Many gather to enjoy some great local and widespread wines while soaking up the fall's remaining sun rays.
Picking up leaves in your yard can feel like a chore, but it's an essential aspect of lawn maintenance to ensure a colorful, vibrant, and healthy property in the future. Lawn Love, Cleveland's lawn care professionals, can help with leaf removal and your other lawn care needs.
