Garden Q&A: Should I clear up fallen leaves or let wildlife enjoy them?

Whether you're a gardening beginner or expert, Irish Examiner columnist Peter Dowdall has the answer to your questions

Should I clear up fallen leaves or leave them for wildlife? File picture

Question

Should I clear up fallen leaves or leave them for wildlife?

Answer

A bit of both. Fallen leaves are a natural mulch and a vital refuge for insects, frogs and hedgehogs through winter, so don’t be too tidy. 

Rake them off lawns and paths, where they can smother grass or turn slippery, but let them lie under shrubs, trees and hedges. They insulate roots, keep weeds down, and slowly turn into leaf mould, the best soil conditioner money can’t buy. 

Gather excess leaves into a wire bin or black bags with air holes, dampen them, and leave them to rot for a year or two. 

Avoid clearing every corner; a few untidy patches provide crucial overwintering sites for butterflies and beetles. 

The trick is to strike a balance, neat where you walk or mow, generous where nature can quietly get on with her own composting.

• Got a gardening question for Peter Dowdall? Email [e-mail]