Did you know that the leaves that fall from trees benefit the soil? They actually suppress weeds and fertilize the soil while breaking down.
In addition, they provide habitat for important pollinators. Have you ever wondered how butterflies manage to come out so quickly when the weather warms after a cold spell? It’s because they lay their eggs in the leaf litter, and when we rake that all up, we are removing their eggs! Raking paths and walkways is fine, but let’s leave the leaves in the areas between walkways, to limit erosion, moderate temperature extremes in the soil, provide habitat for important pollinators, and contribute valuable nutrients that promote healthier soil.
Believe it or not, it’s also good for our grass to leave the leaves, but if that look just doesn’t work in your neighborhood, at least use a mulching mower rather than throwing away those important nutrients. Our yards, plants, and animal neighbors will thank us. To learn more about this, CLICK HERE.
Take a picture of your leaves and post it on social media with the hashtag:
#LEAVETHELEAVES
