Scientist say put away the rakes and let leaves fall

JACKSON, Tenn. — With the cold of winter finally swooping in to West Tennessee, leaves have fallen from trees. Leaving some, scientist say, with yard work they may want to ignore. According to the Natural Wildlife Federation, we should all put our rakes down and leave the leaves alone to help wildlife and the environment..

Raking leaves, a common chore scientists say is actually doing more harm than good. Taking away natural nutrients and destroying wildlife habitats.

“Plants would naturally recycle there own leaves and put them right back into growth. But instead we take them away,” Ornamental Horticulture Specialist for UT Ag Extension Carol Reese said.

According to Reese, leaves form a natural mulch and removing them could be a waste of time and money.

“If you’re spending money on mulch you might just think about piling those leaves around your shrubs and tress and using that as a natural mulch,” Reese said. “Instead of buying the bag stuff and spending more money.”

Animals also rely on fallen leaves for food, shelter and nesting material. Reese said if you must rake your lawn, compost the leaves instead.

“Don’t get rid of them, don’t bag them up,” Reese said. “That in fact fills up the landfills. It cost in using the plastics, you’re really doing harm to the planet. Pile the leaves up somewhere and let them decompose for a good source of natural top soil. If it’s a light layer just run that mover over them and letting them mulch right where they sit.”

Maybe kids finally have a valid reason to get out of doing yard work.

“I think is a great excuse to get out of raking leaves,” Reese said. “Tell your parents that really you’re supposed to keep them on sight. It’s good for your landscape.”

So for now let the leaves fall where they may, everything will naturally work the way it is supposed to. Researchers also encourage you not to prune your plants until late winter, just before spring. Cutting plants now could do more damage in the long run. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, leaves and other yard debris make up more than 13% of the nation’s solid waste. That is 33 million tons a year.