A Dangerous Fall Activity

There are many fall activities that we engage in without thinking about them: apple picking, mazes, fresh, crisp walks through nature, and so many more. However, there is one very insidious activity that we do without thinking much about it. Can you guess what it is? 

RAKING LEAVES!!

Now, you may be thinking, "Insidious? Isn't that language a little strong, Mr Coordinator?" Sure, it might be strong, but it got your attention, didn't it? What makes it so insidious? A couple of things to consider this fall before you rake your lawn.

Raking Leaves Removes Healthy Habitats For Pollinators

You read that right. Those leaves provide protection for a whole host of pollinators. Pollinators are animals and insects that move pollen from one plant to another, which is essential for fertilization. There are many plants which can pollinate themselves; however, about 80% of flowering plants and over one-third of human food crops rely on these animals for pollination*. Not only do these animals help provide us humans with the food we need for life, but they also provide food for other creatures. By raking leaves, we disturb and upset a vital element in Nature's Life Cycle. 

Leaves Are A Natural Fertilizer

We all LOVE to go to Home Depot, or other similar stores, and buy mulch to protect and nourish our yards, right?! Well, believe it or not, nature doesn't actually need our help if we let nature take its natural course. Leaves naturally break down and provide the ground underneath with buttloads of great, natural nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. 

But...

Sure, you may have your reasons, like the neighbourhood watch or the HOA of your area may DEMAND that you rake your lawn so that every yard looks exactly the same, and no one's yard will lower the overall resale value of the other houses in the neighbourhood. (Too cynical? My bad.) If this is the case, and you want to do your part for nature, but the greedy neighbourhood nazis are constantly watching you, making sure you adhere to the antiquated notions of what makes something "look good and acceptable" then here are some tips for you!

1. If you feel compelled to remove the leaves, instead of raking, wait until they’re good and crunchy (ripe for jumping into), and then mow the leaves into little pieces. Then you can just leave them! The leaves will serve as mulch and can protect the soil around your trees, shrubs, or garden. Actually, study shows that leaving the leaves on your yard in such a manner not only does your lawn no harm, but it can actually impede weed growth.

2. You can also rake leaves off grass into garden beds, where they'll provide mulch to the beds and winter insulation, or mounded at the base of trees. You may also be able to transfer some of the insect larvae to safety by doing this. This could be a way to get around any homeowners' association requirements that you not leave leaves on your lawn.

There you go! Your friendly fall facts for November on whether to rake or not to rake, that is our question. Oh, and if you're in for a good laugh, here's a funny joke for all you lawn lovers out there (it's one of my all-time favourites).