Top 4 Reasons To Not Rake Leaves This Fall
Every autumn, the same scene unfolds: piles of golden leaves gather on lawns, prompting homeowners to grab their rakes and prepare for battle.
Growing up in the eastern U.S., our yard would be covered with yellows, oranges, and reds many inches thick. Of course I would be convinced by my parents to rake the leaves by making it into a fun activity of rolling around in them.
Fortunately we left piles around the yard and there were tons of leaves in the forests surrounding my house, but we could have done better. Someone smarter than me is selling their dead leaves on Amazon for $18 per ziplock bag.
Leaving the leaves makes your soil healthier and protects all of the pollinators that over winter in those leaves.
Myth 1: Bagging your Leaves Protects the Environment
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, leaves and other yard debris account for more than 13 percent of the nation’s solid waste. That’s a whopping 33 million tons a year that goes into landfills. That’s why more than 24 states have yard waste ban policies in effect due to decreasing landfill space.
Without enough oxygen to decompose, this organic matter from leaves releases the greenhouse gas methane. In fact, solid-waste landfills are the largest U.S. source of man-made methane, the most potent of all greenhouse gases.
So save yourself some hassle and keep your leaves in your yard. But what to do with them? Read on.
Myth 2: Dead Leaves Suffocate Grass and Kill your Lawn
This common misconception that fallen leaves kill your grass stems from the concern that a thick layer of leaves blocks sunlight and air from reaching the grass. In reality, this is rarely an issue.
Studies have shown that unless the leaves are packed into a dense, matted layer, they decompose quickly, allowing sunlight and air to penetrate and nourish the grass underneath. Additionally, the decomposing leaves act as a natural mulch, retaining moisture and suppressing weeds, ultimately benefiting your lawn's health.
Micro-organisms are the life of soil, and they need food and nutrients all the time. The more leaves left on your garden, the more feed for these micro-organisms that make soil healthier and plants grow stronger. As the leaves decay, they add organic matter back into the soil, which lessens the need for fertilizer.
Myth 3: Composting Leaves is the Only Sustainable Option
Luna Moth
While composting leaves offers numerous benefits, it's not the only way to contribute to a sustainable yard. Leaving some leaves on the ground, particularly in areas with sparse grass, can provide valuable habitat for insects and overwintering invertebrates, enriching the soil's biodiversity.
Fallen leaves are overwintering habitat for many of the beautiful butterflies you see in your garden every spring. The leaves also serve as a habitat for wildlife including lizards, birds, turtles, frogs, and insects that overwinter in the fallen leaves.
According to the Xerces Society, a group focused on protecting endangered insect species,
“Great spangled fritillary and wooly bear caterpillars tuck themselves into a pile of leaves for protection from cold weather and predators. Red-banded hairstreaks lay their eggs on fallen oak leaves, which become the first food of the caterpillars when they emerge. Luna moths and swallowtail butterflies disguise their cocoons and chrysalises as dried leaves, blending in with the “real” leaves.”
Additionally, the leaves act as a natural insulator, protecting the soil from freezing temperatures and preventing erosion.
Myth 4: Raking Leaves is Essential for Preventing Disease and Pests
Aaron Copland "Dean of American Composers"
While some diseases and pests can overwinter in fallen leaves, raking them away doesn't necessarily guarantee complete prevention. Their predators also overwinter in the leaves and can help control any pests you may have, plus some other backyard wildlife like opossums and birds will have a feast on those pests.
Moreover, the benefits of increased biodiversity and improved soil health, achieved by leaving some leaves in place, often outweigh the potential risks.
Embracing Leaves for a Sustainable Yard
Now that we've shed light on the misconceptions, let's explore some practical alternatives for managing fallen leaves:
Leave some, rake some: Strike a balance by leaving leaves in areas with sparse grass and raking them from high-traffic areas like walkways or patios. This minimizes the risk of slipping and keeps your outdoor spaces tidy. Even a thin layer of leaves protects the insect we need to pollinate our gardens. Opt for raking or using a leaf vacuum to capture whole leaves, rather than shredding them with a mower.
Compost the extras: If you have an abundance of leaves, consider composting some for use in your garden or flower beds. This valuable organic matter enriches the soil and promotes plant growth. Since fall leaves are mostly carbon, you’ll need some nitrogen to kick start the composting process. To make quality compost from fallen leaves covering your lawn, you need to add one part of high-nitrogen materials for every 25-30 parts of leaves. High nitrogen materials that are easy to find around the house include green grass clippings, fresh kitchen waste, coffee grounds, and fresh manure from your pets.
Create leaf piles: Leave piles of leaves in inconspicuous corners of your yard to provide shelter for beneficial insects and overwintering pollinators.
Ranking Raking and Composting Leaves as a Sustainability Solution
Accuracy: Both raking and composting leaves offer benefits and drawbacks, depending on the context. Raking isn't always necessary, and composting isn't the only option for sustainability.
Ease of implementation: Leaving some leaves requires minimal effort, while raking and composting require time and physical exertion. Composting also requires dedicated space and knowledge of composting techniques.
Cost: Both options are essentially free, although composting might require investing in a compost bin or additional tools.
Impact on climate change: Leaving leaves on the ground sequesters carbon in the soil, contributing to climate change mitigation. Composting also contributes by reducing waste and promoting the use of organic matter. Raking and disposing of leaves generally has a neutral or slightly negative impact.
Overall: The most sustainable approach is context-dependent. Leaving some leaves is the easiest and most impactful option for most situations. Raking and composting can be valuable tools when implemented strategically, but they shouldn't be seen as blanket solutions.
Remember: Embracing a diverse and flexible approach to managing leaves, prioritizing minimal intervention and maximizing their natural benefits, is key to creating a healthy yard and contributing to a more sustainable future. So, put down the rake, embrace the crunch, and let your leaves work their magic!
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