Leave the Leaves
When autumn arrives, the ground around Montauk starts turning into a colorful carpet of red, orange, yellow, and brown leaves. You might look outside and think, “Uh-oh. My parents are going to make me rake!”
But before you grab the rake, here’s a secret: those leaves may be exactly where they need to be.
Leaves are homes!
Fallen leaves aren't just messy yard waste. They can be cozy winter shelters for insects, including butterflies, moths, bees, and fireflies. Some insects spend the winter hiding under leaves or tucked into the soil below them. Birds, frogs, and other animals can also search through leaf litter for food.
So the next time you see a big pile of leaves, don’t just see a chore. Imagine all the tiny creatures having a sleepover underneath!
Watch this cool video of insect larva feeding on organic debris/leaf litter
Video: Brandon Seah, “Larva eating DSC 1075,” Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0.
Leaves feed the soil
As leaves slowly break down, they return nutrients and organic matter to the soil. They also help keep the soil moist, protect plant roots from hot and cold temperatures, and act like a natural blanket called mulch.
Instead of sending every leaf away in a bag, your yard can recycle them right where they fall. It’s like nature’s own composting system!
What can you do?
You don't have to leave every single leaf everywhere. Paths, driveways, steps, and
other areas should stay clear so nobody slips or trips. But for the rest of the yard, try these ideas:
Leave leaves in garden beds around trees and plants.
Make a leaf pile in a quiet corner of your yard where insects and small animals can shelter. It might look messy to people, but it could be a five-star hotel for bugs!
Move extra leaves under trees or shrubs instead of putting them in bags.
Add leaves to your compost and let them turn into nutrients for your garden.
And remember: a yard doesn't have to look perfectly tidy to be healthy. If your parents ask why you haven’t raked every leaf, you can tell them, “I’m helping the bugs!”
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