​Leave the leaves

To the Editor:

One of the great aspects of living in this part of the world is the change of seasons and the ways in which they shape our perceptions and activities.

Autumn is a sensory delight with the sight of brightly-coloured, swirling leaves, the crunch of leaves underfoot and the earthy scent of decomposing plant matter. It’s common for people to drive to view fall colours and what child does not delight in playing in a leaf pile?

Once the leaves have settled, however, they’re referred to as “leaf litter” and this term speaks volumes about modern society’s relationship to nature.

Litter implies that leaves are a waste product, something to be cleaned up and disposed of when, in fact, fallen leaves are a positive benefit to the environment.

Fallen leaves are natural habitat for butterflies, bumblebees, fireflies, frogs, toads and others. Many insects over-winter as eggs, larva or adults in leaf litter and many of those are the creatures we need to pollinate our gardens in the spring. Birds also benefit as they forage for hidden insects and use leaves for nest building.

Certainly, traffic areas, such as walkways must be kept clear for safety but leaves can be raked under bushes and shrubs or onto flower and vegetable gardens to provide mulch and winter protection. They’ll suppress weeds, preserve moisture and naturally compost, returning nutrients to the soil as they break down.

Too many leaves? Add them to compost or make a big leaf pile in a corner of the yard. They’ll break down and form a type of compost called leaf mold that can be added as natural fertilizer around plants in the spring.

As much as possible, divert leaves from the landfill where they take up valuable space. Composting leaves will produce less methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to the global climate crisis. 

Never dump yard waste in unauthorized or wild areas. Harmful invasive plant species can be spread this way.

It’s time to re-evaluate our relationship to our yard and to nature, in general. Become part of the eco-system by leaving leaves on the ground. They’ll provide nourishment for the soil and for plants, and shelter for wildlife.

Christine Roberts
Blair’s Grove, Huron-Kinloss Township