Wrocław scientist advises against raking autumn leaves to protect biodiversity

Professor Przemysław Bąbelewski from the Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences advises against raking leaves in autumn, warning that doing so can turn gardens into “biological deserts.”

Leaving fallen leaves creates a natural mulch that serves multiple ecological functions. The layer helps retain water in the soil, which is vital for plants during dry periods, and decomposes into humus, improving soil structure and fertility. This process recycles carbon and minerals back into the ecosystem rather than requiring artificial fertilizers.

Furthermore, leaf litter provides essential habitats for various wildlife. It serves as a winter shelter for hedgehogs, toads, and certain butterflies, such as the Peacock and Small Tortoiseshell. It also supports a wide range of invertebrates, including beetles, spiders, and larvae, which in turn provide a food source for birds like thrushes and woodpeckers. The expert suggests a compromise: leaves should be raked from lawns to maintain appearance, but left in other areas to support biodiversity.