Why Raking Leaves Is Bad For The Environment

BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — It's that time of year where your lawn is probably covered in crunchy leaves. But environmental experts are saying you should leave those leaves alone.

Ann McGovern of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection told WBZ NewsRadio she actually wants more leaves in her yard.

"Well what I do is I gather the leaves from my neighbors yards if i don't have enough of them," McGovern said. "Leaves serve multiple beneficial functions both to us as individuals, and our yards, our landscapes, and in the overall environment."

For instance, McGovern said fallen leaves keep the soil moist. They also help worms and other bugs, which in turn helps feed the birds.

If you're really worried about letting leaves pile up on your lawn, McGovern said you can always chop them up with the lawnmower and basically make some free fertilizer.

"You can use them as mulch around any of your flower gardens, trees or shrubs, perennial beds or vegetable gardens."

WBZ NewsRadio's Matt Shearer reports:

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(Photo: Getty Images)


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