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Livingetc
Livingetc
Raluca Racasan

‘Leave them untouched!’ – 3 reasons why you shouldn't clear up dead leaves in your backyard this fall

A view outside a window into a yard with a Japanese maple.

You might be thinking a fall clean-up of the dead leaves in your backyard is an absolute must to keep your outdoor space looking good. Garden maintenance this time of year just makes sense, and once those colorful leaves have dropped to the ground, they soon start to rot and make a mess on your lawn. However, experts urge you not to take your clear-up too far since, as it turns out, there are some reasons why your dead leaves are best left untouched. 

Gardening experts say a balanced approach to backyard maintenance is essential. You don’t want your space to look a mess, or for those dead leaves to harbor diseases and pests (especially if you’ve been faced with these issues beforehand), and yet some natural debris can actually benefit the soil and ecosystem of your outdoor space, ensuring a healthier garden in spring. 

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