Tips for eco-friendly ways to take care of your leaves from

Euclid Shade Tree Commissioner Adam Fletcher.

For the 33rd straight year, Euclid has earned distinction as a “Tree City USA.” Having so many trees adds beauty to our city and makes us more climate resilient, but this time of year it also means dealing with all of the leaves that are falling. While the city will collect leaves residents gather on their tree lawns, the Euclid Shade Tree Commission would like to offer some suggestions for other useful things you can do with your leaves.

Leave them—they’re important habitat for pollinators! Various insects, moths, butterflies, and even salamanders can use leaf piles as shelter. Many will lay their eggs or simply lie hidden in leaflitter, which provides habitat for them over the winter. Even if you don’t leave all of your leaves, consider making small piles in a few areas throughout your yard, perhaps around shrubs or on top of flower beds. In addition to providing nutrients to plants and shelter for insects, these piles will also help insulate the roots of your plants in especially cold weather. Just be sure not to remove the piles until consistently warmer temperatures arrive in the spring.

Mulch them—they’re free fertilizer! Although mulched leaves do not offer the same quality of shelter that whole leaves do, mulching is still beneficial. Your lawn will appreciate the extra nutrients mulched leaves provide as they break down over the winter. You can also spread mulched leaves in your garden beds, around the base of trees, or over bare patches on your lawn. All of these will help feed your plants and lawn, and aid in moisture retention.

Compost them—they’ll turn into great food for your gardens! Search online for tips on how to build good compost and keep an eye out for seminars offered through the county or other local agencies.

Whatever you decide to do with your leaves, just remember that they are a vital part of our ecosystem. Besides, finding things to do with them is a wonderful excuse to get outside and get some exercise!