Leave the Leaves!
Leaf blowers, whether electric or gas powered, destroy habitat and decimate the population of ground-dwelling insects.
Lady Beetles, Firefly larvae, Luna Moths, Ground Beetles, Lacewings, and Mourning Cloak Butterflies. We may not see them but these beautiful creatures are living in our yard amongst the fallen leaves. Look closely as the days warm up in springtime and you’ll see Ladybugs making their way out of leaf piles into the sunshine.
Beneficial insects are not the only creatures that need leaves for shelter and warmth. Toads, hedgehogs, and other critters nest and overwinter in leaf piles. Birds know where there are leaves there is food. The eco-friendly leaves also provide free mulch and help to maintain moisture for plant roots.
The way we manage our yards has consequences for the ecosystem, not just on our property but our neighbor’s property and beyond. When we use pesticide, remove trees, leaves, and naturally growing shrubs we eliminate habitat.
Fortunately, some towns and villages in our area are beginning to restrict the use of leaf blowers, though perhaps their concern should extend beyond noise and also consider the environmental impact of when and how to remove leaves. Here are a few ways we can all help to protect the environment:
1. Limit the use of leaf blowers. Raking is gentler on the environment.
2. In autumn insects have settled into fallen leaves by the time the temperatures are in the 50’s. Please consider not disturbing the leaves at that point. If you must, do it gently and spare some of the leaves by creating piles around your shrubs and gardens to provide overwintering sites for insects.
3. In springtime wait until the end of May before removing leaf piles. This allows overwintering insects/larvae to hatch. Removing leaves too early undoes all the good efforts of leaving the fall leaves in place.
4. Don’t use pesticide. There’s a reason your neighbors must be notified before your application . . . it’s poison, especially to insects.
5. Leave some natural scrub growth. Nature has provided this for insects, birds, and other wildlife.
Allowing fallen leaves and other natural growth to remain in our yards may take some getting used to but it’s worth the end result of protecting pollinators and other wildlife.
Diane Maass
Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591
