The call is out for Northlanders to mulch or compost their waste vegetation rather than let a backyard burn-up get up everyone's noses, and avoid a potential fine.
With spring just around the corner people's attention is turning to tidying their outdoor areas but the Northland Regional Council is reminding them to be courteous and stick to the rules about burning unwanted vegetation and other waste material.
Around a quarter of all calls to the council's 24-hour environmental hotline involve complaints about burning or associated smoke nuisance.
Those breaching the rules are liable for enforcement action which can range from instant fines of up to $1000.
Air quality specialist Obi Khanal said the council's approach had toughened in recent years as backyard burning generated an increased number of complaints.