Photo: Conservation of Canada
Autumn is here, which means that the leaves are changing color and covering the ground. But instead of raking them, the Canadian Conservation Agency advises leaving them on the ground.
The nonprofit land conservation organization says that leaving fallen leaves in your garden is a small act of conservation and can promote biodiversity in the garden in a variety of ways.
“Backyard animals such as toads, frogs and many pollinators once lived in forests and have adapted to hibernating under leaves,” said Dan Kraus, senior conservation biologist at the NCC. “The leaves form an insulating blanket that can protect these animals from cold and temperature fluctuations in winter.”
They know that some residents prefer a tidy front yard and others mulch leaves with a mower – which is also beneficial. Another option is to tuck some leaves under bushes, flower beds, and gardens to prevent the freeze / thaw cycle in the roots during the winter months.
One benefit of not raking, besides avoiding strenuous back breaking activities, is the improvement in the soil.
Kraus points out that when leaves decay, they also provide a natural mulch that helps enrich the soil. Thick clusters of leaves can affect the growth of grass and other plants in spring, but light coverage can improve the health of gardens and lawns.
“While it’s great for cities to have compost leaf collection programs, the most energy efficient solution is to allow nature to do its thing and the leaves in your yard to naturally crumble,” says Kraus.
“Plant stalks and dead branches also provide a habitat for many types of insects,” says Kraus. “By completely cleaning up our yards and gardens, we may be removing critical wintering habitats for native wildlife in our communities.
“Migratory and native birds can also benefit from your garden in winter. Fruits and seeds on flowers and shrubs are an important source of food that feeds many songbirds in winter. “
With around 80 percent of Canadians living in cities today, biodiversity in the backyard is becoming increasingly important.
“As Canadians we have some of the last wilderness areas on the planet, but for many of us and our children, the search for that connection with nature begins at home.”
