Leaves and brush are clearly a problem in Selma. However, they are a problem that can be easily turned into an asset for the city.

Before moving to Selma, I lived in Fayette County, Ga. for some time. Like any homeowner, I had no shortage of yard work. Fortunately, the county government made this chore much easier and less expensive by offering free mulch.

Like Selma, cities within Fayette County collected leaves, tree limbs and other green debris each week. These items were then chipped and placed in a designated area where residents of the county could come collect mulch for their yards at no charge.

I can’t count the number of trips I made to the Fayette mulch pile to keep our shrubs looking top-notch. I also can’t tally the amount of money these trips saved me from purchasing store-bought mulch.

The system was great for the county, because it eliminated waste and saved storage space. It was also great for citizens and homeowners because it saved them hundreds. As you know, the city of Selma recently struggled with storage of limbs, leaves and other debris. These issues created a great deal of controversy, and are now getting the proper attention.

Securing equipment to mulch these items could help us avoid ever facing this problem again.

Selma City Council member Susan Keith suggested the idea during a recent committee meeting. Though the equipment is not cheap, the purchase could prove to be worth the price.

Mulch is an important part of yard work and landscaping. Most every homeowner can find a use for this product. Having a designated location to pick up mulch could prove to be a tremendous asset to both the city and homeowners. The Fayetteville mulch pile was used, and used constantly. There was never a trip I made to the pile that didn’t require a wait. But, to save hundreds of dollars, the wait was worth it.

Storage and disposal of tree limbs and leaves will always be a problem. Fortunately, these items can easily be transformed from a problem to an asset for homeowners simply by feeding them into a chipper.