Should I rake or mulch the leaves in my yard?

The leaves are changing colors, and it won't be long before they pile up all over the ground.

But if you're already reaching for a rake, just wait – if you can, leaving those leaves where they fall benefits wildlife, including butterflies, fireflies, and salamanders, and helps reduce the amount of yard waste that ends up in landfills.

An annual survey by the National Wildlife Federation found about 18% of people who responded said they don’t collect or remove any fallen leaves, up from 15% in 2024. However, 32% said they throw away six or more trash bags of leaves every season. The survey involved interviews with nearly 1,500 adults living across the U.S.

"Leaving leaves where they fall benefits wildlife, insects and ecosystems while reducing waste and methane emissions," David Mizeje