To help residents dispose of tree debris from the Friday, July 16, 2010, storm, the City has opened the tree and limb debris drop off location for Shawnee residents. Residents can now drop off their debris on City property, located on the southeast corner of I-435 and Johnson Drive across from the new Justice Center. Vehicles can access the area off of Johnson Drive and Renner Road.

We ask that you please drop the debris off in a separate area from the mulch. We will continue to take tree limbs until the pile of limbs has been ground into mulch. After that, the site will be closed for debris drop-off. Residents with questions about the debris drop off can call Public Works at (913) 742-6008.

On Friday, July 2, 2010, Marrs Tree Service completed the chipping of the tree limbs collected at the storm debris drop-off site south of Johnson Drive, west of Renner Road. The City has left the mulch material at this location for Shawnee residents to use. The free mulch is provided as a service to Shawnee residents on a first-come, first-served basis as long as supplies last.

Signs will be posted reminding residents that the free mulch will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis as long as supplies last. Residents with questions can call Public Works at (913) 742-6008.

Why mulch? Mulch can improve your garden in a variety of ways by:

• Controlling weeds, conserving moisture, improving water infiltration, reducing soil compaction, controlling erosion and protecting roots from freezing.
• Keeping soil at a uniform temperature and promoting the growth of garden-friendly microorganisms and earthworms.
• Acting as a slow release fertilizer as it decays.
• Acting as a blanket for soil and keeping it in an ideal condition for maximum plant growth.
• Saving time and money by reducing the need to weed, water and fertilize.