This service will be available through Sunday, December 2nd. The dumpsters for leaf disposal are located in the parking lots of PineAcres Community Services Building, Pioneer Park, and Mace Meadow Golf Course. On Dec. 8, 9, 10 you can take your pine needles and leaves to a dumpster at Amador Pines at the park on Inspiration Dr. Both Amador Disposal Service and ACES Waste Services provide year-round green waste disposal options for all of their customers. Depending on service area, some customers may use a free green waste container that’s picked up every other week. Other area customers may toss their leaves in with other trash.University of California Cooperative Extension in San Andreas, recommends using the leaves for mulch instead. A mulch is a protective layer of leaves, placed in a thin layer over soil. "Mulching is important," Sullivan said. "It conserves the soil moisture, controls the weeds and, as leaves degrade, they improve the soil texture." Mulching is also a healthier alternative to burning, she said. Gretchen Sullivan, a master gardener at the

Composting is another way for your yard to benefit from the leafy bonus. According to compostguide.com, the leaves of one large shade tree can be worth as much as $50 of plant food and humus (HEW-MUS). Pound for pound, the leaves of most trees contain twice as many minerals as manure. Even common pine needles have 2.5 percent of their weight in calcium, magnesium, nitrogen and phosphorus, plus other trace elements. For best results, shred or grind the leaves with a lawn mower or shredder. Pile the leaves with some manure or other nitrogen-rich material. Keep the heap moist, but not soggy, and turn occasionally. In a few months, the resulting pile will be soil-like compost that can be used like mulch or used as soil enrichment. The Sonora Union Democrat contributed to this story.