10/13/2026
🍂 It’s that time of year when your yard starts filling with leaves. This fall, try leaving some of them behind.
And no — we don't mean letting a thick layer of leaves smother your lawn. Instead, think about where you can leave leaves naturally and put them to work in your landscape.
Move leaves into garden beds, around trees and shrubs, or to an out-of-the-way corner of your yard where they can provide shelter for overwintering insects. You can also mulch-mow a thin layer of leaves into your lawn, allowing the small pieces to break down and return nutrients to the soil.
🍁 Why does this matter? Leaves and other natural plant material provide important winter habitat for insects. Many native bees spend the winter in the ground or beneath leaf litter, while other beneficial insects use leaves, hollow stems and plant debris for shelter.
You don't have to turn your entire yard into a leaf pile to make a difference. Even a small area where leaves, sticks and other plant material can remain undisturbed can provide valuable habitat.
The important exceptions? Keep leaves from clogging stormwater drains, and don't allow them to build up enough to damage your lawn.
Looking for more ways to put those fall leaves to work? K-State Extension has ideas for managing leaves in your landscape while maintaining a healthy lawn and garden.
https://www.johnson.k-state.edu/programs/lawn-garden/agent-articles-fact-sheets-and-more/agent-articles/lawns/solutions-for-getting-rid-fall-leaves.html
https://www.johnson.k-state.edu/programs/lawn-garden/healthy-yards-and-native-gardens/healthy-yards-and-environment/october/
Learn more: Leaving the leaves saves pollinators, other beneficial insects | MU Extension | https://extension.missouri.edu/news/leaving-the-leaves-saves-pollinators-other-beneficial-insects
Leaving fallen leaves provides habitat for pollinators and beneficial insects while enriching your garden naturally.
