11/13/2025
As we transition into fall, leaves will inevitably begin to pile up around deciduous trees. Did you know that the common practice of raking up and disposing of these leaves can be detrimental local ecosystems, especially when done over large areas?
🍁 Many critters call these leaves home during the fall months—not just bugs such as butterflies!—but turtles, chipmunks, toads, and more!
🍁 Birds need dead leaves to pad their nests.
🍁 Docile and non-poisonous rat snakes lay their eggs safely under layers of fallen leaves, and they're one of the best forms of natural pest control. As a bonus, they pose no threat to humans!
🍁 Many of these animals also feed on insects found within this leaf layer, and disrupting that layer can negatively impact every part of the nearby food chain.
🍁 Dead leaves also act as natural mulch, creating the perfect environment for healthy, earthworm-rich soil.
This fall, try leaving the leaves! It’s an easy way to care for the planet around you!
