Written by Richard Stoll
(SOUTHEAST INDIANA) -- Now that Fall is here. It's time to consider leaving the leaves!
Leaves are a natural habitat for butterflies, salamanders, chipmunks, box turtles, toads, shrews, earthworms and others. They lay eggs in the leaves and feed on and under the leaf layer.
By raking or blowing leaves, you disrupt their life cycle and eliminate beneficial insects.
Leaving the leaves is also a great way to to feed valuable micro-organisms that make soil healthier and help plants grow stronger.
As leaves decay, they add organic matter back into the soil which lessens the need for fertilizer. If you must remove leaves, use them as mulch in your existing garden beds or compost them on site rather than throwing them away.
Richard Stoll is a Board member with Oak Heritage Conservancy. For more information about Oak Heritage, follow us on Facebook or visit: OakHeritageConservancy.org
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