Don't Bag Those Leaves: 3 Ways Autumn Foliage Helps Your Garden
Berlin – October 28, 2026 -- Leaving fallen leaves in your garden this autumn protects soil and roots, produces free humus and gives hedgehogs, insects and birds a place to overwinter, according to German environmental group BUND. Its garden expert Corinna Hölzel urges homeowners to put the leaf blower away.
A 2-to-10-centimeter leaf layer works as mulch
Leaves should come off the lawn, Hölzel says, but they belong on beds, under hedges and around tree bases. A layer of roughly two to ten centimeters guards against drying out and erosion, keeps soil temperature stable and suppresses weeds. It also feeds earthworms and microorganisms.
As the leaves rot, they release humus and nutrients that plants use to grow, so gardeners need to fertilize less. Before mulching, loosen the soil and clear weed roots, and leave out sown seeds and young seedlings. Perennials, shrubs and fruit trees benefit most.