Picking up dead leaves: “Nonsense!”

Every fall, many Quebecers spend several hours picking up dead leaves that have fallen to the ground, but this practice is not recommended.

“It’s really pointless to do that,” explained Mathieu Béland, an expert in forest management and the environment, in an interview with Quebec Matin.

Leaving them on the ground saves biodiversity, the environment and time.

“There is no reason to do this! Placing leaves on the ground encourages insects, butterflies, and earthworms. If there are insects, the entire urban food chain will be better off. Birds come. People pay a lot of money for bird feeders [laisser les feuilles au sol] An easy way to attract them,” explained Mr. Beland.

A study revealed that in the United States, 12% of waste is made up of yard waste that can be left on the ground.

“Additionally, leaves are natural fertilizers. We save time and save money. It’s really easy. “

However, leaves should not be compacted in a thick carpet on the ground. Instead, they must shred the grass so that it breathes.

“The best tool is a mower. We are going to lower the height of the mower, we are waiting for it to dry, because it will be much easier,” explains the planning and environmental expert.

If the sheet of leaves is too thick, the dead leaves can be used as mulch in flowerbeds, in the garden or in compost.

***Check out her tips in the video above.***