Fall leaves may look harmless, but piles of them pushed into Lake of the Ozarks can create real problems for water quality.
Residents, property owners, and lawn crews are being encouraged not to blow, dump, or push leaves and other yard waste into the Lake. Instead, Ameren Missouri recommends mulching, composting, or using an approved disposal service.
Leaves that fall naturally into the Lake are part of its ecosystem. Problems can arise, however, when concentrated piles are intentionally pushed into the water. As that material decomposes, it can release nutrients, contribute to algae growth, and use oxygen needed by fish and other aquatic life.
"When leaves are blown into a cove, they don't just disappear," said Bryan Vance, manager of shoreline management at Ameren Missouri. "As those leaves break down, they can affect water quality and create issues along the shoreline. Taking a few extra minutes to mulch, compost or properly dispose of leaves can make a real difference."
Ways to handle fall leaves:
- Mulch leaves. Run over leaves with a mower and use them around trees, shrubs, and garden beds to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Start or add to a compost pile. Combine leaves with grass clippings and food scraps to create nutrient-rich compost.
- Bag and dispose of leaves properly. Check with local waste services, municipalities or landscaping companies for collection and composting options. If you hire a lawn service, ask how it disposes of collected leaves. Commercial landscaping and lawn care companies are prohibited from disposing of leaves and other yard waste in Missouri's public waters.
- Burn only where permitted. Follow local regulations, burn bans, and safety precautions. Keep fires and ash away from the shoreline so residue cannot wash into the Lake. Composting, mulching, and proper disposal remain the preferred options.
Ameren Missouri encourages everyone who lives, works, or spends time at the Lake to help care for this shared resource. The company also supports environmental stewardship through programs such as Adopt-the-Shoreline, which has helped remove more than 6.2 million pounds of trash from the Lake.
For more information about leaf removal, vegetation management, and other Lake updates, visit AmerenMissouri.com/Lake.
