Fall is here, and it's the time of year to undertake all those projects that will get your property ready for winter. Whether this means raking up a few piles of leaves or doing a comprehensive land clearing, burning is an easy and effective way to get rid of your natural yard waste. The open burning season in Flathead County is running currently through November 31; below are a few tips for making the most of it.

What Are the Benefits of Burning?

There are many advantages to burning yard waste. It speeds up excavation and land clearing processes by allowing a quick way to dispose of debris. It also saves you the money and labor that comes with renting special equipment, hauling debris to a dumpsite, and paying the associated dumping costs.

Be Sure to Comply With Air Quality Restrictions

No burn permit is needed during open burning season, but you still need to comply with local air quality restrictions, which can change daily. The Flathead City-County Health Department assesses the particulate count in the air on a regular basis, and when counts are higher, they may prohibit burning.

You can check their website for updates or call their air quality hotline at (406) 751-8144. Keep in mind, some larger cities, like Kalispell, Whitefish, and Columbia Falls, prohibit the burning of debris within their city limits.

Make Safety a Priority

When burning, preserve a noncombustible space of three to five feet around the fire. Make sure that tree branches are trimmed at least six feet off the ground, and remove or trim any branches that are touching your home or hanging close to it. Keep water and a fire extinguisher nearby at all times, and always monitor the flames.

When you need land clearing or excavation services in Flathead County, MT, trust Valley Excavating. Since 1996, they have been providing site preparation and development, road building and maintenance, and retaining wall and septic installations. They are a locally-owned and -operated business dedicated to the highest levels of customer care. Call (406) 857-2086 or visit them online to request a free estimate for their services.