Thoughtful gardening doesn’t just happen in the spring, but in the fall, too. There’s a lot of life, tucked between and beneath all those fall and winter bits; tending lawns and gardens with environmental sustainability in mind helps to support that life that greatly supports our lives. By taking some simple action steps, you can create a haven for wildlife in your yard, providing them with the resources they need to survive during the winter months.

One of the most impactful actions you can take is to leave fallen leaves in your yard (all leaves or many). Not only does this benefit the health of your garden but it also supports pollinators. The vast majority of butterflies and moths overwinter in the landscape as do fireflies and other creatures. Many of these insects are mixed in with the leaves that typically get raked to the curb as they utilize leaf litter for vital winter cover from the elements and predators. The fallen leaves house pollinator eggs and serve as camouflage for insects such as Luna moths and Swallowtail butterflies. Bumble bees also rely on leaf litter for protection.

Also, leaves help to retain moisture in the soil and capture rainwater so that it can slowly infiltrate into the soil instead of being lost to our storm water drains. This is critical for plant and soil health, offering a water source for wildlife and mitigates storm water runoff, contributing to a healthier ecosystem.

By allowing leaves to decompose naturally, you eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers. Nitrogen and phosphorus, substances that make up chemical fertilizers, pollute waterways, harm beneficial fungi and deplete the functionality of the soil. Leaves serve as a free natural fertilizer, plus you’re ditching the fertilizer’s plastic bottle and the carbon from the truck that picks up the leaves!

So where should you put your leaves? One option is raking the leaves to garden beds which act as a winter blanket protecting both your soil and overwintering insects. As leaves break down, they create a natural mulch suppressing weeds and enriching the soil. Plants need and utilize their own matter and you will be rewarded with a lush and thriving garden.

Alternatively, you can rake your leaves to a ‘wild area.’ I keep a wild area on the side of my house where I gather leaves and fallen sticks. Large stick piles provide shelter for insects and overwintering wildlife. While leaving the leaves in beneficial, it’s crucial to prevent them from clogging storm drains. You can successfully do this by raking leaves to your garden beds and wild areas. Opt for raking over using leaf blowers, as these machines are like gale winds to insects and could harm them. To prevent the leaves from scattering, wet them down periodically or place sticks on top.

Lastly, one other factor is to reconsider the notion of a “well-kept” yard. A well thought out and planned ecologically rich yard, while seemingly untidy, is closer to the way nature intended. Embracing this perspective aligns with the modern concept of being a good neighbor by nurturing the environment. Taking care of our shared world is synonymous with caring for our neighbors.

Pro tip: If you find the look of leaves unappealing, consider raking them into your beds and cover them in pine straw or wood chips. This has the double benefit of adding nutrients to the soil while also providing a consistent, aesthetically pleasing look.

Additional action steps for winter wildlife support

• Retaining seed heads on flowers like coneflowers and sunflowers offers a winter food source for birds

• Leaving plant stems intact (at least 12”) offers essential hibernation spots for insects, including native bees that nest in hollow stems until the weather warms in May

• Keep acorns on your property: with approximately 150 species relying on acorns, they rank as one of the very best wildlife foods

By taking these fall action steps, you’re actively contributing to the well-being of the wildlife that coexists with us. As temperatures drop and resources become scarce, your yard will serve as a sanctuary for birds, butterflies and other invaluable life in our ecosystem.

Rebecca Ness is the Vice Chair of Bexley’s City of Bexley’s Environmental Sustainability Advisory Committee (ESAC). Together with the Sustainability Department, these organizations form Green Bexley. More information about sustainability in Bexley can be found at greenbexley.org and bexley.org/sustainability.

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