DYK that pollinators like bees and butterflies survive the winter with the help of leaves? Some species can be found borrowed in the stems of hollowed-out leaves, while others simply use them as a cover. Queen Bees in particular only borrow a few inches into the ground to wait out the cold and rely on the leaves for extra protection. 

Also, removing leaves, putting them in bags, and having them collected creates additional greenhouse gas emissions. Our recommendation is to leave the leaves until spring. The City will hold a loose leaf collection the last week in March and the first two weeks of April (weather permitting), which is right after the pollinators have stopped overwintering. Late March and early April is the best time to get those leaves to the curb (avoiding storm drains) for us to collect.

We’ve heard some rumors that fall leaves matted down by snow or rain would have a negative impact on perennials. That’s simply not the case. A layer of leaves serves as additional insulation and helps protect roots. When you take your first spring walk in the forest, you’ll spot fragile spring ephemerals popping up with help from the leaf litter. Nature by design doesn’t waste. So leave the leaves and let them work for you.