Raking has long been part of our autumn rituals. But leaves actually play a vital role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem around us.

Here’ s why leaving those leaves alone is the best idea, with tips on how to use them instead.

PROVIDING SHELTER

Leaves serve as shelter for insects during the fall and winter seasons, including butterflies and other pollinators that keep our flowers and food supply vibrant and strong. By leaving the leaves in flowerbeds and other areas away from the grass, you can provide a safe haven for these very beneficial insects. As they flourish, you’ ll also be ensuring the health of green and growing things everywhere. Move leaves from grassy areas into beds and garden areas. They will serve as insulation during the colder winter season. You can mulch it all to provide additional

nourishment for your lawn.

MULCHING OPTION

Instead of simply removing leaves by raking or blowing them away, consider turning them into mulch to create a natural fertilizer. Most people

simply run a lawnmower over them, breaking down leaves into smaller pieces. That prevents your grass from dying in the dark. It allows leaves to more quickly decompose, enriching the soil with valuable nutrients.

Some lawnmowers come with a built-in mulch setting, or you can purchase a mulching kit to attach to the mower. They’ re typically used on the highest setting of the mower, but follow suggested manufacturer guidelines when

using these kits. In the case of taller drifts of leaves, it may be necessary to make multiple passes. You can more evenly distribute mulched debris by raking it across the yard.

OTHER USES Leaves can suffocate your lawn, creating dead patches of grass.

Remember that the next time you have weeds. Cover them with leaves as an aid in eliminating weeds during the autumn and winter months, while avoiding pesticides altogether. If you have large bare areas on your property, leaves or mulch can help prevent weeds from taking root.

Another option for dealing with leaves is to relocate them to a designated area in your yard for composting. If your accumulation of leaves is so large that it doesn’ t decompose by spring, simply transfer it all to the compost bin.