Benefits of leaving your leaves in your yard and being a lazy gardener.
North American bird populations have declined by 1/3 (2.9 billion lost) since
the 1970’s and continue to drop. Caterpillars and other insects are critical
food for baby birds. A clutch of small baby birds such as Chickadees
requires 7,000 caterpillars to grow to adulthood.
Insect populations are in decline. Leaves provide cover for overwintering
insects including fireflies, butterflies (adult, chrysalis, larva, egg) and moths
(adult, cocoon, larva, egg) which will become food for birds and other
wildlife. Ground nesting bees benefit from the insulation leaves provide.
Insects are vital to climate resiliency and biodiversity.
Slugs, snails, and worms feed on leaf litter, helping to break it down while
enriching the soil with their waste.
A blanket of leaves in your garden beds, under trees and shrubs insulate the
soil and improve it by fertilizing it as they decay.
Leaves promote soil moisture retention and help reduce flooding and erosion.
Noise pollution and air pollution can be reduced simply by not using
lawnmowers or leaf blowers to remove your leaves. Gently rake them into
your garden beds instead, it’s great exercise. You’ll also save money on leaf
bags and lawn services. Please don’t mulch the leaves either, you’ll be
defeating the purpose.
Hollow plant stems provide cavities for insects to nest or make a home in.
It’s best to cut them back to 6-18 inches and leave them up year round.
When your plants begin growing in the spring, the stems will be hidden. If
you must remove them, place them behind your plants. You won’t see them,
but they will still support insects and wildlife.
Brush piles and trees provide winter habitat and cover for insects and other
wildlife. Dead tree snags and hollow branches are also useful.
Leaving your leaves will save you time, money and create a happier, healthier
community for both wildlife and people.
