If you’ve ever stared at the fall muddle of leaves in your yard wishing they’d either blow away or spontaneously bag themselves, then there’s at least one agency that will tell you to stop fretting.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) has a little “green” advice when it comes to that leafy proliferation. As long as the cover is not too thick, just “leave” them. There are a variety of benefits to be derived. You’ll be supporting the biodiversity of your own little neck of the woods, especially for your winged friends who don’t migrate. A variety of species will use leaves as their winter-over condos.

Senior conservation biologist for NCC, Dan Krause, explains the importance for the variety of species that don’t make arduous southerly treks.

“Backyard animals, such as toads, frogs and many pollinators, once lived in forests and have adapted to hibernate under leaves. The leaves provide an insulating blanket that can help protect these animals from very cold temperatures and temperature fluctuations during the winter.”

Along with winter habitat, the leaf cover can actually distill to a nutrient tea and create a carbon sink for your yard. Thick piles of leaves may choke out early lawn or plant growth, but a light dusting provides nutrients as they break down. 

Krause’s take is, “While it’s great for cities to provide collection programs to compost leaves, the most energy-efficient solution is to allow nature to do its thing and for the leaves to naturally break down in your yard,”

Wintering insects may also rely on that cover, not to mention a host of songbirds who may depend on your generosity for their winter sustenance.

“Migratory and resident birds can also benefit from your garden during the winter. Fruits and seeds left on flowers and shrubs are a crucial food source that sustains many songbirds during the winter, including goldfinches, jays and chickadees. Providing winter habitats for our native birds and insects is just as important as providing food and shelter during the spring and summer.”

So it’s possible to indulge in that Sunday afternoon football game without the nagging guilt of piling leaves into the traditional jack-o-lantern bags. Your neighbours may not thank you, but the local habitat certainly will.