Want to know why you should leave leaves in the garden? Then you've come to the right place! The golden autumn overwhelms us with its splendid colors - but when the trees and bushes lose their leaves, it also means work.
That's why leaves on the lawn and in the flower beds are a thorn in the side of many gardeners. Especially in Germany, where you can even apply for a "leaf pension" if too many leaves from the neighbor's property blow onto your own greenery.
There are so many good reasons not to get infected by your neighbors' obsession with tidiness and not to have your leaves taken away in bags!
In this article, I will show you briefly and concisely how you and nature benefit from this and why you should not treat old leaves as waste but as extremely valuable. natural resource should consider. Let's go!
1. foliage is a valuable habitat for animals
The leaf layer in the garden provides a vital shelter for many animals, such as Hedgehogs, toads, earthworms, moths, caterpillars, beetles and Spiders.
The foliage protects them from the cold and predators - also offers garden birds a wide range of food. So by leaving it lying around, you are helping to preserve the Biodiversity and supports the natural cycle.
2. foliage protects soil and plants in winter
Canopies have an insulating effect and protect the soil and sensitive plant roots from cold and frost. So your garden plants can also thrive better in springwithout you having to take additional protective measures.
And you can also use raked foliage Targeted as frost protection in your beds and tubs distribute. This works for us in the Natural garden flawlessly and won't cost you a penny 🙂
3. foliage is a source of nutrients for fertile soil
The fallen leaves are also so Important for naturebecause they decompose and enrich the soil with organic material and nutrients.
They promote the formation of humus, make the Soil more fertile and ultimately act as a natural fertilizer for your plants.
4. foliage prevents the soil from drying out
The many leaves of trees and bushes also store moisture in the soil and thus protect it from drying out and the Erosion due to wind and rain. This helps to maintain soil quality, especially during dry periods.
5. foliage naturally keeps pests away
Some animals that settle in the foliage will help you with the sustainable pest control. Ladybug for example! They thank you for the protective layer of leaves that brought them through the cold winter months, by eating aphidsthat would otherwise cause mischief. 🙂
6. leaf litter harms the climate
Whether you rake them into a pile of leaves or leave them as they fall: if you leave the leaves lying around, they don't have to be transported to disposal facilities, burned or turned into soil. The Saves CO2 emissions, protects the climate and also affects the Air Pollution against.
Good to know: Wet leaves do not belong in the organic waste garbage can as they generate fermentation heat and the garbage can is usually too small. However, if you absolutely want to dispose of it, it is best to take it to your local recycling center.
7. leaf blowers are loud, smelly and kill animals
Leaf vacuum cleaners and leaf blowers are anything but environmentally friendly! They emit pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide and dismember toads, beetles, spiders, woodlice and countless other animals - or suck them up.
They also make a lot of noise and create a Sound power level LwA of up to 115 dB(A) in the neighborhood.
One such a leaf broom* and to use the To leave leaves lying togetheris definitely the much more environmentally friendly alternative.
8. foliage work costs money
Irrespective of this, whether you rake the leaves in your garden yourself or hire a specialist companywork goes to the wallet! Why? Quite simply!
By leaving the leaves lying around, you save money in a sustainable way for Fertilizer or Compost soil. And because the earthworms aerate and loosen the soil, you can also avoid the cost of a scarifier, for example.
9. foliage can be used very well
The colorful autumn leaves are versatile and are available in such large quantities in many gardens that you can use at least some of them for other purposes. For example Protecting the plants, to the Crafting fall decorations or around your Bringing joy to children.
Here are a few creative ideasto use leaves from the garden:
- Making a leaf wreath for the front door
- Paint the leaves with gold or copper paint and frame them
- Together a Create beetle cellar or build a hedgehog hotel (leaves as building material)
- Mulch your garden beds with the leaves
- Have a "leaf fight" with the kids
- Turning leaves in the compost heap into fertile soil
- Natural confetti Punch out of leaves
10. piles of leaves in the garden look tidy
If keeping your garden tidy is very important to you, you can also simply remove the leaves during the annual fall clean-up with a such a leaf broom* Rake together and place in a corner of the garden.
The pile of leaves remains Functional for animals and the soil and your garden still looks cleared out.
Basically, however, I find that the autumn-colored leaves of the oak, maple, barberry or rock pear are also very attractive. always a beautiful photo motif whether on the ground or on the plant. Last but not least, the rustling of the leaves underfoot is also a real Soothing sound of nature. 🙂
Leave the leaves lying around and do not remove them!
Raking leaves is not just a matter of unnecessary workbut can actually end up harming your garden. By leaving the leaves lying around and letting nature work for you, you help the ecosystem and the garden animalsimprove soil quality and save money.
So the next time someone complains about upset that you don't rake your leavesyou can simply send him this article or tell him the exact reasons why 🙂
"Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better."
Albert Einstein, German theoretical physicist (1879-1955)
Do you have any questions, suggestions or other good reasons for leaving the leaves lying around? Then I look forward to your comment.
Stay environmentally conscious and sustainable,
PS: I have also written an article for you with my best Tips for sustainable gardening put together. Use them to make your entire garden even more environmentally friendly.
