30/10/2026
Don’t throw away all your fallen leaves this autumn!
As the leaves begin to fall in October, you might be tempted to rake them all up and clear your garden. However, fallen leaves can actually be incredibly beneficial for your trees and soil.
As leaves decompose, they return valuable organic matter to the soil, helping improve its structure and ability to retain moisture.
Leaving some fallen leaves in your garden can also provide shelter for beneficial insects and other wildlife throughout the colder months.
Here are a few tips:
- Collect fallen leaves from lawns and paths and use them to make leaf mould.
- Allow a light layer of healthy leaves to decompose naturally in garden borders.
- Keep leaves away from the base of tree trunks to prevent excess moisture building up against the bark.
- Avoid leaving thick, wet layers of leaves on your lawn, as they can smother the grass underneath.
A little less tidying this autumn could mean healthier soil, happier wildlife and stronger trees in the years ahead.