Autumn has arrived, and with it comes the glorious, crunchy carpet of fallen leaves that everyone loves to admire… until it starts piling up in your yard. Suddenly, that idyllic scene of golds, reds, and oranges becomes a slippery mess, a clogged gutter nightmare, or a habitat for pests. The debate begins: should you leave the leaves where they lie, or is it time to roll up your sleeves and clean them up? The answer isn’t as simple as “yes” or “no,” because it depends on your yard, your goals, and even the local ecosystem. Let’s dig into the science, the practicalities, and the surprisingly surprising benefits of both options so you can make an informed decision.
