Your Fall Leaves Are More Valuable Than You Think

Dry leaves are "brown" material that provides carbon to balance out nitrogen-rich food scraps and grass clippings. Shredding the leaves first helps them break down faster into nutrient-packed soil by spring.

A thick layer of shredded leaves over garden beds helps keep soil moist, regulates temperature, and suppresses weeds as it slowly decomposes over winter.

Mowing over leaves instead of raking chops them into small pieces that filter down into the grass and break down into a natural fertilizer.

Rake leaves into a pile, dampen them, and let them sit. Over time they turn into a crumbly, dark material that improves soil structure and water retention.

Pile leaves around the base of shrubs, roses, or perennials that need extra warmth, and remove them in spring so new growth can breathe.

Leaving some leaves in less-trafficked corners of the yard gives beneficial insects, hedgehogs, and toads a cozy place to overwinter.

Press leaves between books to preserve their color for wreaths, garlands, or table decorations, or let kids try leaf rubbings with paper and crayons.

If you have more leaves than you can use, offer them to neighbors or local gardeners eager for free compost material, or check if your town collects leaves separately for mulch.

Fall leaves are a free resource waiting to be put to work, whether you're improving your garden, helping wildlife, or doing a bit of crafting.