Long Branch residents Sheila Carmichael and Sandy Donald are working to prevent a neighbour from cutting down a maple tree. The neighbour wants the tree cut down to make way for a larger house.

Burning branches sounds like the simplest method of removing tree debris in your yard. However, other DIY options can go a long way to enhancing your backyard garden.

If the tree topples after you cut the branches, this is also illegal. Intentionally cutting down a tree on a neighbor's property leads to a fine of triple the value of the tree.

Moving your container of branches to a cool area at night, below 60 degrees, will help them last longer. If you are like us and turn down the heat at night, that should be no problem.