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.
- 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.