Leave the Leaves

LEAVE THE LEAVES
Protect pollinators through the winter

Providing winter shelter for beneficial insects is one of the simplest and most meaningful actions you can take for pollinator conservation. Many butterflies, native bees, and other insects overwinter in or under fallen leaves, relying on that natural blanket for protection.

While managing autumn leaves can feel like an endless chore, it’s possible to find a balance between safety and stewardship. Leaves shouldn’t be left where they block storm drains or make sidewalks slippery, but instead of bagging or blowing leaves to the curb, add them to your garden beds, under shrubs, and beneath the “drip line” of trees—where they offer protection for wildlife and enrich the soil as they decompose. These "soft landings" are critical for many pollinators to complete their lifecycle. Plus, leaves provide valuable organic matter and help to build healthy soil. Leaves have the same weed suppression and moisture retention properties of shredded wood mulch + they’re free!

Pollinator Pathway sign in bed with fall leaves

How tree leaves fall naturally to drip line

Raking leaves into defined beds in backyard

POLLINATOR-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPING
Smart Ways to Leave the Leaves

To "leave the leaves," simply rake or use an electric (please avoid gas-powered) blower to move the leaves into garden beds, under trees, and around shrubs. Don't be afraid to pile leaves several inches think (they will pack down over time) but avoid piling leaves against the tree trunk.

To prevent leaves from blowing away, layer small sticks or branches on top, or shred some leaves with a mower and pile them on top of the whole leaves to weigh them down. Another option is to install a short wattle fence (a simple border made from woven sticks popular in Europe) around the edge of the leaf bed. If your leaves are already damp or packed down, you can skip these additional steps.

If you don't like the look of the leaves as they start to turn brown, you can cover them with a thin layer of pine straw or wood chips or finely shredded leaves. This adds nutrients to the soil and gives a traditional “mulched bed” look.

Got more leaves than you know what to do with? Instead of bagging them to be trucked to the landfill, rake the extras into a corner of your yard to decompose naturally, or make a leaf corral with wire or fencing to keep them contained. Then, let nature break them down into rich, crumbly compost for your garden or foundation beds.

Leave the Leaves and Firefly Habitat sign

HIDDEN HABITAT
Life in the Leaves

A surprising number of creatures depend on fallen leaves for survival through the colder months. Many species of native bees nest in the soil beneath the leaf layer, where the leaves provide crucial insulation against freezing temperatures. Butterflies and moths, including the beautiful Luna Moth and Great Spangled Fritillary, overwinter as eggs, caterpillars, or chrysalides hidden among the leaves. Fireflies (aka lightning bugs) spend most of their lives as larvae in the moist leaf litter. You’ll also find lady beetles, lacewings, spiders, and ground beetles taking refuge there, all of which help control garden pests naturally. By leaving the leaves, you’re not only protecting pollinators but also supporting an entire hidden habitat.