LEAVE THE LEAVES FOR WILDLIFE

Instead of spending time raking up fallen leaves this autumn, consider leaving them in place to benefit both your garden and local wildlife. Fallen leaves provide a natural mulch that breaks down over time, improving soil structure, moisture retention, and nutrient content, which promotes healthy plant growth. They also help suppress weeds by blocking sunlight and preventing weed seeds from germinating. In addition to these benefits for your garden, leaves play a crucial role in supporting wildlife. They offer shelter and a habitat for insects, many of which, like pollinators and beneficial predators, overwinter in the leaf piles. Birds such as robins and sparrows forage in the leaves for insects and seeds, while small mammals, including hedgehogs and mice, find warmth and protection. Leaving leaves in your yard also reduces waste by preventing them from ending up in landfills, contributing to a more sustainable environment. To make the most of fallen leaves, you can create leaf piles in garden beds or corners of your yard, or shred them for faster decomposition and use them as compost. By leaving the leaves, you not only reduce your workload but also support the health of your garden and local wildlife.