This time of year, we enjoy noticing the seasons change.
The tall cottonwood, the stately cedar elm, the productive pecan and the unfairly maligned hackberry are all changing colors and gradually dropping their leaves. Meanwhile, the National Wildlife Federation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and others are promoting a “Leave the Leaves” initiative.
So, what might be the advantage of leaving our fallen leaves on the ground and giving up the tasks of raking, blowing and bagging? Well, there are several good reasons to give up these chores.
Most obviously, natural leaf litter creates excellent free mulch. Leaves will gradually decompose, providing fresh organic matter to nourish your lawn and discourage weeds. If fallen leaves are overwhelming your yard, move them to flower beds — or make a big pile and later use the decomposed leaves as a soil amendment. According to the EPA, 33 million tons of bagged yard waste are sent to landfills each year. Deprived of the oxygen necessary for decomposition, the organic matter instead releases methane gas into the atmosphere.
My favorite reason to “Leave the Leaves” is the wonderful benefit to our wildlife. Butterfly and moth caterpillars survive safely under leaves before emerging in spring. Other critters ranging from invertebrates to small mammals use leaf litter for food, nesting material and shelter. Snails, spiders, beetles and worms all live in leaves and become food for birds, turtles, lizards and other critters. Leaves left on the ground are essential to sustain the natural web of life.
My youngest granddaughter is seven, that magic age when a child is absolutely enchanted with the natural world. I’m eager to find the time to take an old blanket outside and lie down with her on our bellies and elbows to see what we can find under and among the fallen leaves.
