Fall Clean Up? Maybe Not!

Our yards can make us proud and provide many hours of joy during the warmer months. However, try to resist the urge to clean up all the dead growth that has built up over the warmer months and embrace the mess.

If you can live with a little mess this fall, the wildlife will respond. 

• A layer of leaves is vital insulation from the cold for the many animals that hide within and insulates tree roots.
• Leaves improve micro-organisms that are the life of soil that provide needed food and nutrients to plants and trees. Leaves can also be useful in areas that have compacted soil as they help to reduce runoff, keeping soil on site.
• If you use leaves for compost, consider creating a leaf pile and allowing it to break down naturally if space allows. Mulch and leaf piles break down into nice loam which can then be used to supplement planters or other flower beds. 
• Providing an unmowed area on the edge of your yard is a great way to provide a place for piled organic matter like leaves, branches, and stems. Keeping piles away from the house will reduce the chance of unwanted visitors inside.
• Designate some areas in your yard where you can leave leaves whole. Shredding leaves may destroy eggs, caterpillars and cocoons.