Spring Means Neighbors Burning Orchard Clippings

 

Decades ago, my city was full of orchards

Houses have taken over most of the sprawling city, but there are a few small orchards hidden throughout 

One small orchard is a block from my house

That means I get to see deer running through the orchard when I venture out on walks. It's breathtaking!

That also means the gardeners who take care of the orchard trim the trees every spring

And burn the clippings 

Burning orchard clippings

 I suppose it's the easiest way for them to dispose of the clippings, but - that releases a lot of dangerous smoke 

There are several neighbors with asthma, COPD and cancer

Dangers of smoke

 Smoke can be very harmful to those with asthma

According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources: 

"Air pollution from smoke can impact human health.

People exposed to these air pollutants can experience eye and nose irritation, difficulty breathing, coughing and headaches. People with heart disease, asthma, emphysema or other respiratory diseases are especially sensitive to air pollutants. Other health problems aggravated by burning include lung infections, pneumonia, bronchiolitis and allergies."

 Is there a better way to dispose of tree branches? 

A wood chipper/mulcher is handy for disposing of branches. You can rent one and use the mulch for your garden 

Add branches to your compost 

Dispose of branches at local landfills "green waste" area 

But please - don't burn branches

Most cities and counties require a "burn permit" and have rules about burning

Think of those around you with asthma, COPD, or other medical conditions 

Smoke is dangerous and can be deadly 

We only have one set of lungs, we need help protecting them