Although people think of November as being more a part of winter than fall, it’s still not too late to put those leaves cluttering the ground to good use.

And the best use is to leave them alone.

The leaves disintegrate and biodegrade into a natural fertilizer. It provides healthy and necessary nutrients to the ground.

But, if you’re a perfectionist or bored or just have a thing against leaves, you still can put them to good use.

It’s not too late to compost the leaves, and then use the home-grown fertilizer for your garden, flower beds or other natural delights.

ome composting is easy. Ready-made kits are available to buy, or the composting bin can be made for only a couple of dollars. Plenty of information is available at local libraries or at the Coop Extension Office.

But, if you must burn, remember a couple of things.

Like the fact that it’s dangerous. How many times have people started burning on what seemingly is the windiest day of the year?

But if you’re responsible enough to watch the fire, you’re also responsible enough to know that those with asthma, emphysema and chronic bronchitis can just go inside when they smell the leaves burning.

Burning is convenient and easy. But there are better answers.