10/19/2026
Scratch this off the honey DUE list
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Help Birds by Leaving the Leaves
Every fall, something remarkable happens as leaves, pine needles, and garden debris settle to the ground. While this traditionally motivates us to drag out the rake, we encourage you to leave things be this season. The organic matter builds critical habitat that shelters wildlife and prepares your yard for spring.
Whether your yard is blanketed in leaves or carpeted in pine needles, the same principle applies: resist the urge to clear it all away. Here's what's happening under that natural layer:
Butterflies and moths need it. Most species overwinter as an egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, or adult. Leaf litter and garden debris are their shelter. Remove it too soon and you lose next year's pollinators before they ever take flight.
Bumble bees depend on it. At summer's end, mated queen bumble bees burrow just an inch or two into the soil to hibernate. A thick layer of leaves or needles is the difference between surviving winter and not.
Birds, frogs, lizards, and turtles use it too. Ground cover of any kind creates a living ecosystem that keeps pests in check and pollination thriving come spring.
Your soil benefits as well. Fallen leaves and pine needles act as a natural mulch, suppressing weeds and slowly enriching the soil as they break down.
If you do need to tidy up in spring, just wait until late in the season so the life you've protected has a chance to emerge.
Then spread the word! Share this with your community. The more yards that join the movement, the bigger the difference we make together.
We're proud to support the National Wildlife Federation® Leave the Leaves Month (original message from Wild Birds Unlimited and they're offering now through October 31, 2026, Wild Birds Unlimited customers 10% OFF Certified Wildlife Habitat® certifications with promo code WBU10.
