Why Michigan wants you to consider ditching your leaves this fall

Don’t feel like raking the leaves? Don’t worry.

State officials and the National Wildlife Federation are encouraging the no-rake movement and sharing how leaving the leaves on your lawn this fall can benefit the environment.

Leaf litter provides habitat for animals and insects

Leaving leaves on the ground all fall, winter and spring is good for the environment because it provides a home for various animals and insects, such as squirrels, toads, caterpillars, box turtles and earthworms, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Birds find insects to eat in leaf litter, and according to the National Wildlife Federation, 94% of species rely on leaf litter to complete their life cycle.

Movement without a rake nourishes the soil and prevents air pollution

Maintaining a layer of leaves also benefits the environment because leaves, as they decompose, nourish the soil, acting as a natural fertilizer,” according to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).

Additionally, leaving the leaves avoids the need for leaf blowers, reducing air pollution and fossil fuels.

“It’s kind of a return to nature,” says Aaron Hiday, compost program coordinator at EGLE. “The leaves will decompose and are beneficial to your soil. It saves you having to rake them, and it’s good for your garden.”

Options if you don’t want to leave the leaves

If you don’t want to leave a thick layer of leaves in your garden, there are some steps you can take to benefit the environment.

To break down the leaf layer and allow light to reach the grass below, people can mulch the leaves with a mower.

If leaves cannot be left in the garden due to municipal regulations or personal preference, you can rake them into garden beds.

The leaves can also be composted to create soil. EGLE website has guidelines for composting.

“You don’t really need much space,” Hiday said. “You can make a very simple compost bin from reclaimed pallets, or I’ve even seen people do it with a snow fence, which is a very cheap way to do it. And it is quite effective. Composting is nature’s way of turning your leaves and grass into a valuable soil improver.”