As spring approaches, one expert says Iowans need to resist the urge to rake up the winter’s accumulation of leaves that clutter our yards and fence lines. Entomologist Ginny Mitchell says those piles of dead leaves are full of living creatures.
The first day of spring is March 20th, and while some green tulip and daffodil shoots may already be poking out of the dirt, Mitchell says we should really wait until it’s much warmer before tackling those piles of brown leaves.
With temperatures in the 60s and 70s earlier this week, Mitchell admits she decided to address a particularly unsightly pile of dead leaves in her yard.
Not only are those piles home to critical pollinators, but leaves are a nutrient-dense natural fertilizer that helps to build healthy soil that holds moisture.
