With a possible snow storm just around the corner, you may think you might not have enough time to complete some yard work and finish raking leaves before the snow comes but that might not be so true. The Nature Conservancy of Canada is encouraging Canadians to be lazy and leave the foliage on the ground.

“We're encouraging this because it's actually helpful for the environment and it's really beneficial for your lawn and your plants. A little bit of leaf cover on the ground as the leaves decompose over the winter will fertilize the soil. Leaves around roots of like trees and shrubs and plants will give it a little bit of insulation against our really cold Canadian winters,” said Carys Richards, Communication Manager for the Nature Conservancy of Canada Alberta Region.

Leaving foliage on the ground is also beneficial to local pollinators, bugs, and smaller organisms who may take shelter under the leaves in the colder months. By leaving sticks and leaves where they fall, you are increasing the odds of survival for smaller creatures.

A good light spread of leaves is most beneficial to your lawn and trees. Richards says thick piles of leaves may become difficult to break down in the springtime. As more people have been spending more time at home doing yard work, Richards wants people to know that being lazy about their leaves is okay.

“Maybe you don't want to leave them on the ground because that would upset your neighbors if your leaves blow into their yard, if that's not an option for you, that is fine. Maybe you live somewhere that you can get away with being a little bit more lazy and doing a little less. I think people just naturally want to have a clean yard, and understandably we all take pride in our houses and stuff but this isn't the most environmentally friendly thing to do,” said Richards.

Above all, she wants people to know that leaving the leaves where they fall is natural. The leaves will decompose through the winter and spring and your lawn, trees, and friendly local creatures will thank you for it.