Leave the Leaves

For the health and benefit of you and our community, consider a different routine with your leaves this fall

Rather than raking or blowing them to the curb for the city to vacuum up, try different ideas to
leave them on your property

Questions? Join our Oct 20th event
Can you help? Sign up to take a walk in your neighborhood and deliver flyers








.

Benefits


  • Less raking!
  • Create healthier garden beds and lawns
  • Reduce pollution of our rivers and streams
  • Decrease leaf-blower emissions and noise pollution
  • Provide habitat for bees, butterflies, fireflies, and food for songbirds to overwinter
  • Help save tax dollars on city leaf pickup

How to Leave the Leaves

Transitioning to the "Leave the Leaves" approach doesn't
mean abandoning yard care-- it involves a few thoughtful
adjustments to traditional practices

leaf_mow.jpg

Mow over leaves to create mulch

Use a mower (see our FAQ about mulch mowing) to shred the leaves into smaller pieces. This allows them to break down more quickly, enriching the soil without smothering the grass. The finely chopped leaves can remain on the lawn as natural fertilizer. Think you have too many leaves? Research shows that grass lawns can handle up to 4,000 lbs of leaf mulch per acre without any undesirable effects!

2cq9veyaw0gatbu1.png

Rake into garden beds

Spread a layer of leaves in garden beds, around bushes, and under trees. This mulch will protect the soil, suppress weeds, and eventually decompose to enhance soil health. Leave them whole for fireflies and butterflies to survive winter or chop them up for faster decomposing.

leaf_compost.jpg

Add to household composting

Leaves are an excellent addition to your compost pile. Mix them with other organic materials like grass clippings and garden waste. Over time, this will break down into nutrient-rich compost that can be used to fertilize your garden.

leaf_circles.jpg

Leave a light layer on your lawn

A light layer of leaves (about 1 inch) won’t hurt next year’s grass. See some pictures of what a light layer looks like. You should still be able to see blades of grass.

j5rb8h6z6anmze94.png

Do you use a lawn service?

We have a template letter to let them know you want to Leave the Leaves!

Find the letter here!
ltl_sign.png

Look for the signs!

Look for Leave the Leaves yard signs around town to see it in action and chat with a neighbor about their experience!

Potential options and benefits


Option Benefits Soil Health Benefits Insect Habitat
Rake leaves to curb No No
Mulch mow leaves in yard Yes No
Put leaves in compost bin Yes No
Rake leaves into garden beds, around trees or leave them where they fall Yes Yes *if left through June

Try one or two of the practices
this fall and add more next year!

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

More Facts About Leave the Leaves!

Soil Health

Leaf mulch naturally fertilizes the soil, improves soil structure and biology, and helps improve drainage and water retention. No need to purchase and spread commercial fertilizers

Ecosystem

Many bees, butterflies, and other pollinators hibernate just below the surface and leaves create an insulating layer that increases their chance of survival to create new colonies in spring

City Approved!

The practice of managing leaves in place is endorsed by the City of Falls Church Urban Forestry Commission and Environmental Sustainability Council

Taxes

Falls Church City spent $250,000 on new leaf vacuums and expects to spend another $195,000 to vacuum and store leaves. The City already has 2 years of excess leaf mulch taking up valuable space in our public works depot. By reducing the burden on the city to collect leaves, we can spend tax dollars on other important services

Pollution

Leaves raked to the gutters wash into storm drains and directly into our local streams, adding a huge pollution dump causing algae blooms, low oxygen levels, and murky waters. This pollution affects natural bugs and other aquatic life

Emissions

Running a two-stroke leaf blower for 30 minutes results in hydrocarbon emissions equal to driving a Ford F-150 Raptor pickup truck 3,900 miles! Leave the leaves to reduce air pollution for your family, yard workers, and the world!

Get Involved

And take our Leave the Leaves survey to:

  • Sign up for our virtual Q&A event on Sunday October 20th at 2pm with expert landscapers and gardeners
  • Get a yard sign
  • Help deliver fliers

Join us on a journey to imagine, advocate, and work for a Falls Church that is welcoming, vibrant, and sustainable for current and future generations.

Ready to get involved?