Why You Should Leave the Leaves
Did you know that fallen leaves benefit wildlife and the environment?
When you rake your leaves (or blast them with a blower) into piles to be hauled off, you can cause harm to the environment by robbing your garden and lawn of nutrients and destroying wildlife habitat. Carbon dioxide generated by gas-powered blowers and trucks used in leaf disposal pollutes the air. Let the leaves stay on your property!
Hopewell Township’s Environmental Commission has created a Guide to Fall Leaf Management. Check it out and learn more about the problem with piling leaves on the curb for pickup and suggestions for using leaves in your yard.
Some quick facts-
- Leaves are a part of vital wildlife habitat. Critters ranging from turtles and toads to birds, mammals and invertebrates rely on leaf litter for food, shelter and nesting material. Many moth and butterfly caterpillars overwinter in fallen leaves before emerging in spring.
- Leaves are a natural mulch- cover your gardens and lawns and supply them with nutrients and suppress the weeds!
- Leaves make a great addition to your food waste compost pile.
Spend less time raking and more time enjoying the colors!