Leaving leaves on the ground in the Fall is a beneficial gardening practice that supports both the soil and local ecosystems.
Leaves provide critical habitat for various wildlife, including overwintering insects like butterflies, moths, and beneficial beetles. Many pollinators and other important species rely on leaf litter for shelter through the winter.
By allowing leaves to remain on the ground, especially in garden beds and naturalized areas, you support biodiversity, reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers, and help keep your garden healthier and more sustainable.
For lawns, simply mowing over the leaves to create a finer mulch layer will allow them to break down more quickly and prevent thick mats from forming.
NOTE: if your leaves are diseased or have powdery mildew, do not leave them and do not compost - throw in trash.
BE FIREWISE: Don't leave leaves in piles close to the foundation of your home - they dry to crispy in the Fall and pose a fire risk. Keep the spaces four feet away from your home cleared of all debris.