Don’t Rake Your Leaves

Now that fall is here, we are faced with a lawn littered with a crunchy gold, red and orange carpet of leaves.

Before you reach for the rake or leaf blower, listen up!

Scientists say, "Don't rake your leaves!"

USA Today reports that the National Wildlife Federation is urging homeowners to let your trees leaves be.

Yes really, they say to "leave the leaves."

According to their website, "dry, dead leaves are important habitats for all kinds of critters: Butterflies, salamanders, chipmunks, box turtles, toads, shrews, earthworms, and other creatures live, lay eggs in or eat from leaves.

Apparently, raking the leaves disrupts and changes the habitat for the creatures that rely on them for sustaining life.

Wow! Well that's good news. I can hear every teenager sigh with relief now.

Heck! I'll tell my parents we don't need to rake those leaves on their three acres because we need to leave them for the butterflies.

Now, if you just can't stand the look of the leaves covering your lawn, The National Wildlife Federation does offer a few tips on how to tidy up your yard but still make use of those ever important leaves. Click here for the tips.