Leave the Leaves

Leave the Leaves

SABINA ERNST of Jericho, Vermont

Photos by Bernie and Sabina

Here's a case where less can be more! Please consider the following from the National Wildlife Federation:

Fall has arrived—which means leaves are changing color and beginning to fall to the ground. Did you know that leaving the leaves in your yard or garden not only saves you time and energy but also benefits wildlife?

Here are a few good reasons to put down the rake: 

*Provide habitat for wildlife: frogs, turtles, and salamanders rely on fallen leaves to provide cover and hibernation places; many moth and butterfly caterpillars overwinter in fallen leaves before emerging in spring 

Photo by Sanina at Jericho Green Pollination Garden

*Provide food for wildlife: creatures like earthworms and millipedes reside in and decompose leaf litter, and also are themselves a source of food for bigger wildlife like birds and toads. 

*Increase fertility of your soil: as the leaves decompose, nutrients are added to your soil, and also allows for greater water retention

Fallen but not forgotten

Read more:

• Leave the leaves. Leaves are not Litter. Xerces Society
• For the Greenest Yard, Leave the Leaves Behind. Consumer Reports.
• Why You Should Leave the Leaves. National Wildlife Federation
• Leave the Leaves. (for the birds) Bird Note

Photo by Sanina at Jericho Green Pollination Garden