Think twice about raking leaves to benefit your yard, plants, and wildlife

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- It's the time of year when municipalities begin collecting leaves from homes, but one local water group is encouraging homeowners to think twice before raking leaves to the curb. Paige Orals with Sweet Water joined CBS 58 on Thursday, Oct. 23, to tell us more. 

Leaf Advantages

• Free Fertilizer - Use a lawn mower to mulch the leaves into the lawn because they provide a natural and free fertilizer!
• Leaves deliver essential nutrients like nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus to the soil, and act as a natural, free fertilizer.
• Shredding the leaves finely and mulching frequently allows them to decompose quickly for a consistent supply of nutrients without smothering the grass.
• Free Mulch – Use the bagging attachment on the lawn mower and spread the mulched leaves in gardens beds as mulch and to enhance the soil.
• Plant Protection – Leaves can be spread around the base of plants to protect their roots during the winter.
• Compost Ingredient – Add leaves to a compost pile and then “harvest” the rich soil in the spring.
• Support Wildlife – Leaf litter left in gardens provides a habitat for pollinators, birds, amphibians and other wildlife.

If homeowners still want to rake their leaves to the curb, they should:

• Leave a 1-foot gap between the leaves and the curb.
• Keep leaves away from storm drains.
• Consider adopting a nearby storm drain to keep it free from leaves, litter, sticks and other debris. Simply visit Adopt Your Drain to sign up and begin taking care of a nearby drain.

Learn more about Adopt-A-Drain HERE.