A recent survey by the National Wildlife Federation found that 90% of Americans are willing to leave or repurpose the leaves in their yard to help the environment. Experts suggest that leaving leaves to decompose on the ground can benefit wildlife, minimize carbon and methane pollution, and provide nutrients for trees and yard plants. However, there are both benefits and drawbacks to not raking leaves, as leaves that end up in landfills can take up valuable space. Leaves can also provide a home for creatures in the winter and return nutrients to the soil as they decompose.
Mowing leaves instead of raking them is an option for those with a small amount of leaves, as shredding them can help with decomposition. However, having too many leaves may require gathering them in one place to decompose properly. Raking leaves is necessary if they are diseased, as leaving them to decompose can pass on the diseases to new leaves in the spring, potentially damaging the tree they came from. It is recommended to contact an arborist if unsure about the health of the leaves. Ultimately, the decision to rake or not to rake leaves is up to the individual, but considering the environmental benefits of leaving leaves to decompose can be a sustainable choice for many homeowners.
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