As the fall season begins, it’s a perfect time to adopt conservation practices that not only prepare your yard for the colder months but also benefit local wildlife and the environment. One of the easiest and most effective methods is leaving fallen leaves on the ground. Allowing leaves to decompose naturally helps fertilize plants, reduce flooding, and create habitats for insects and animals.
Leave Leaves for Wildlife and Soil Health
Fallen leaves act as a natural fertilizer, enriching the soil with nutrients as they break down. They also serve as habitats for overwintering insects like butterflies, moths, beetles, and worms. In northwest Louisiana, many local bird species forage through the leaves for food. By leaving leaves where they fall, you promote biodiversity and help support the entire food web.
If leaving leaves everywhere isn’t feasible, consider gently raking them into garden beds, under trees, or shrubs where they can act as mulch. This is a great way to create natural “carpets” that conserve moisture and reduce erosion. If necessary, leaves can also be mulched with a lawnmower or added to compost piles for future use.
Focus on Native Plants and Sustainable Gardening
Another crucial fall activity is focusing on native plants. Native species provide essential food and shelter for local wildlife, including birds, bees, and butterflies. Fall, especially September, is an ideal time to plant native species, allowing their roots to establish before the winter.
Plants that bloom throughout the season, including shrubs and trees, offer food and shelter to animals. When selecting plants, aim for at least 70% to be native to the region. Additionally, bird feeders and water sources such as birdbaths can support local wildlife through the colder months. It’s important to use quality seeds and regularly refresh the water to avoid attracting pests or creating stagnant breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Create Habitats and Safe Spaces for Animals
Fall is the perfect time to enhance your yard with layers of vegetation—small trees, large trees, shrubs, and evergreens—that provide shelter for wildlife. Incorporating natural elements such as large rocks also offers shelter for insects and small creatures.
Before trimming trees or bushes, check for nesting or burrowing animals. Leaving leaves under and around trees provides warmth and shelter to wildlife through the winter months. Consider incorporating mulch or compost to protect soil health and offer safe havens for insects that play vital roles in the garden’s ecosystem.
By adopting these simple conservation practices, homeowners can help maintain a healthy ecosystem, support local wildlife, and reduce the impact on the environment throughout the fall season and beyond.
