By Indiana Department Of Natural Resources
Instead of raking and bagging leaves this fall, consider allowing them to stay and naturally decay. Fallen leaves, plant stems, flower heads, twigs, and logs provide crucial winter habitat for Indiana’s wildlife.
The warmth and cover of leaves provide shelter for Eastern box turtles, salamanders, and frogs, as well as insulation for butterflies and moths. Leaf piles can even benefit landscaping, as they can suppress weeds, retain moisture, and add nutrients to the soil as they decay. Leaves don’t have to be left exactly where they fall—you can rake them into flower beds and around tree bases.