Breaking This Minnesota Leaf Law Could Get You Fined $1,000

I was chatting with some fellow dads the other day about how the trees in our neighborhood are holding their leaves longer than usual. Minnesota's fall colors used to peak in late September, but due to climate change, they're now peaking in mid-October, which means the leaves are falling several weeks later than they used to.

Most trees should be bare within a week or two, giving everyone enough time to get them cleaned up before it gets too cold. But be mindful of Minnesota's leaf law, which could lead to a significant fine or even jail time.

Is It Okay to Leave Leaves on Your Lawn Over the Winter in Minnesota?

The University of Wisconsin says it’s perfectly fine to leave some fallen leaves on your lawn because they contain nutrients that can actually help your grass. However, they also warn that a thick layer of leaves can smother the grass and harm your yard.

To make the most of the benefits, skip the rake and mow over the leaves instead. Chopping them into smaller pieces helps them settle into the grass, where they’ll break down and feed your lawn next spring.

Minnesota’s Leaf Disposal Rules

The “Minnesota Nice” thing to do is rake the leaves up as soon as possible to prevent them from blowing into your neighbor's yard, but you need to make sure you know the rules for disposing of them.

It’s illegal in Minnesota to throw yard waste in the regular trash. That includes leaves, grass clippings, weeds, shrubs, and branches. But that’s not the only law to be aware of because there’s another one that could cost you up to $1,000 or even land you in jail if you break it.

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Breaking This Minnesota Leaf Law Can Cost You $1,000

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources recommends composting your leaves and yard waste instead of burning them. You can burn dry leaves, branches, and untreated wood, but if you don't follow the rules, you could get in some serious trouble.

Burning leaves without a permit is considered a misdemeanor and can lead to a fine of up to $1,000, up to 90 days in jail, or both.

Always check with your local fire department before burning because some cities have their own rules. The DNR also says you’ll need a burn permit if there’s less than three inches of snow on the ground, and during dry spells, they may ban burning altogether.