Jackson, WY – As autumn colors fade, the city’s naturalists are asking homeowners to skip the usual leaf‑raking and let the foliage decompose where it falls. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) say that leaf litter provides essential food, shelter and nesting material for a wide range of species that call the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem home.
Why leaving leaves matters
According to the USFWS, cardinals, chipmunks and spotted salamanders rely on the natural ground cover that leaf litter creates. The NWF adds that toads, songbirds, mammals and countless invertebrates also depend on the litter for diet and protection. Moth and butterfly caterpillars overwinter in the leaves, emerging in spring as pollinators, while lizards, turtles, frogs and other insects use the same layer as winter habitat.
Soil benefits and pest control
A 2023 peer‑reviewed study identified four ways leaf litter boosts ecosystem biodiversity: it releases nitrogen slowly as it decomposes, enhances overall soil fertility, alters soil‑community composition for the better, and reduces the impact of residue‑borne pathogens and pests. The USDA notes that these processes can lessen the need for synthetic fertilizers, which often runoff and harm waterways.
Practical tips for Jackson homeowners
Wyoming Public Media previously suggested shredding leaves with a mower and spreading a thin layer—just enough to let grass photosynthesize—while piling deeper layers (three to six inches) around trees and shrubs. The USFWS now recommends using whole leaves as mulch in planting beds, where they suppress weeds and help native plants compete against invasive species.
Composting is another option, but the University of Wyoming cautions that compost should be fully mature—typically ten to fourteen weeks—before it is applied to a yard, as immature compost can contain compounds toxic to plants.
Environmental impact of landfills
Nationally, at least eight million tons of fallen leaves end up in landfills each year, according to NPR. In a landfill, organic matter breaks down anaerobically, releasing methane, a greenhouse gas far more potent than carbon dioxide. The Environmental Protection Agency confirms that organic waste is a major source of U.S. methane emissions.
Local resources
Teton County continues to offer free compostable yard‑waste bags at select locations and a residential waste drop‑off day for those who prefer to remove leaves. However, the county’s environmental staff encourages residents to consider the ecological advantages of leaving leaves in place, especially when the litter can serve as natural mulch and habitat.
By allowing leaves to decompose naturally, Jackson homeowners can support wildlife, improve soil health, reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers, and help curb methane emissions—simple actions that collectively strengthen the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.
Original reporting: Buckrail (Jackson WY) — read the source article.
