by Elisa Pearmain
According to the National Wildlife Association and the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, leaving the leaves on your lawn or garden beds is good for the environment, your gardens, and for wildlife. Here are some of the reasons why:
Per the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, yard waste accounts for 12.1% of the nation’s solid waste. The heavy piles of waste prevent sufficient oxygenation to break down the leaves, causing the release of methane gas. Solid-waste landfills are the leading cause of human-made methane gas. The C02 generated by gas powered blowers and trucks is also significant, and a cause of noise pollution!
Wildlife including turtles, toads, birds, and mammals rely on the leaf cover over the winter for food, shelter, and nesting material. Invertebrates, aka insects, rely on leaves and stems from plants to lay their eggs, and many moths and butterflies overwinter in them before emerging in spring. We are advised not to cut back all the long stems from flowers as they provide excellent shelter.
The leaf cover is also great for your garden because it suppresses weeds and provides good nutrients for your soil. If you like, you can grind the leaves with the mower (electric if possible) for a better mulch that breaks down more quickly. You can also add extra leaves to your compost pile with lawn clippings.
Check out The National Wildlife Foundation for more information on fall clean up.
Find multiple articles on fall clean up at the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. Search “leave the leaves.” You can even buy a “Leave The Leaves” sign for your yard at their web store!
