SCIENCE · The New York Times

The Underappreciated Benefits of Leaving Fallen Leaves Alone

Published: 2026-10-10T14:20:01.000Z · 3-Minute Executive Summary

Property owners frequently view autumn foliage as a burdensome chore requiring cleanup. However, environmental systems treat this organic debris as a valuable resource. Specifically, decaying plant matter functions as critical ecological habitat for numerous invertebrate species, serving as essential biological real estate within natural cycles.

Why It Matters: Leaving seasonal foliage undisturbed provides significant ecological value by supporting local invertebrate habitats.