Survey finds Most People Open to Leaving Leaves to Benefit Wildlife

Articles→Wildlife

By National Wildlife Federation, October 5, 2023

A National Wildlife Federation survey found that most people (72 percent) know that fallen leaves and leaf layers are beneficial to wildlife and biodiversity, yet only 25 percent are leaving their leaves where they fall. Thankfully, 82 percent of people are open to leaving leaves to benefit wildlife in the future.

The inaugural Leave the Leaves Report celebrates the start of Leave the Leaves Month this October by surveying nearly 1,200 people to better understand behaviors and sentiments toward Autumn leaves.

October is a terrific time to keep active in your garden in the fall to make it even better for the multitude of wildlife species that need fallen leaves and other organic yard debris as habitat. 

What it is:

Strategic placement of leaves and yard debris to help wildlife in garden beds, under tree canopies, and compost piles for the following benefits:

• Provides Habitat - Fallen leaves, dried stems, grasses and fallen twigs provide essential cover for many types of wildlife to survive the coming colder months.
• Keeps Organic Matter Out of Landfill - Leaving leaves can help reduce the volume of organic material being sent to landfills and the amount of greenhouse gasses (methane) contributing to climate change.
• Keeping Leaves Saves You Money and Time - Leaving the leaves does not require bagging and piling leaves into the street for pick up. Fallen leaves are natural mulch and fertilizer for your landscape. It’s a form of recycling/reusing.

What is not:

Leaving the Leaves is NOT about leaving leaves and debris all over lawns and drive ways or sidewalks. It’s about using fallen leaves on your property in ways that support the natural world rather than throwing them away.

Note: It is good practice to keep potentially flammable garden material at least 5 feet away from the house. If you plan to keep the leaves, make sure they aren’t stored close to the house, especially in particularly dry or drought-prone areas.

These practices reduce the amount of debris in landfills, while creating fertile new soil for your garden. A leaf layer several inches deep is a natural occurrence in any area where trees naturally grow. Many wildlife species live in or rely on the leaf layer to find food and other habitat, including salamanders, chipmunks, box turtles, toads, shrews, earthworms, and many insects species. Red-banded hairstreak butterflies lay their eggs on fallen oak leaves, which become the first food for their caterpillars.

Share your Commitment to Creating Fall Habitat

Leave the Leaves Month is a great time to assess the habitat value of your landscape or garden and plan out projects to make it even better for your local wildlife. How are you providing the four components of habitat—natural sources of food, water, cover and places to raise young—not just in fall but year-round? Could you adopt more wildlife-friendly ways of maintaining your landscape or garden? Use this Habitat Checklist to walk through your garden habitat space and assess all the ways you’re already meeting the requirements to have your garden spaces recognized as a Certified Wildlife Habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. 

Now through October 31, take advantage of one time special discount to close out Garden for Wildlife’s 50th anniversary year!  Get 10% off when you certify and buy a sign.  This sign can help you share your intentional approach with eco friendly practices like Leave the Leaves and stems and other fall and winter practices.