The Price of Shade

The borough that I live in has a shade tree identification program, to promote the planting and care of shade trees particularly those near the sidewalk belt. I am proud to say that our residence figures in this local database, with several Norway Maples that overhang the sidewalk. We also have three Maples of indeterminate variety, in our side yard. All of the trees tower over our three-storey house, providing ample shade, helping to keep our house cooler in the summer.

This afternoon I paid the price of this lovely added benefit to our house. I spent six hours, blowing, raking (until the rake handle broke) and kicking the leaves to the curb. The pile of red leaves between the cars are from our side yard. The pile of yellow leaves behind Mrs. Bobs PT Cruiser are from the maples that overhang the sidewalk.

The good news is that the borough workers come along during the week with a giant leaf sucker and suck them up from the curbside. Then they take them off to be mulched. I raked all of the leaves today, because according to the borough web site, this coming week is the last week of leaf-sucking before the borough trucks get fitted for their plows for the winter.

Whew! That was some invigorating physical activity. Where's the couch?