Leave Them Be!
Here where I’m based in New England, the changing leaves have replaced the last goldenrod and aster for the Great Autumn Color Show and I'm encountering fewer and fewer pollinators out readying for winter’s dormancy. But this can be a critical time of the year to help pollinators survive whatever winter will throw at us this year – no matter where you live. We are often rather quick to remove the accumulated debris of fallen leaves from our yards and garden spaces, but that blanket of leaves can be the difference between life and death for many overwintering pollinators. Instead of raking (or worse - using a leaf blower) the leaves into piles and bagged as yard waste, gently rake the leaves to the base of the tree they fell from. Even a buffer around the trunk that is about half the area of the tree’s crown will help preserve vital overwintering microhabitats for many caterpillars, chrysalises, other larvae and even adults. And it helps protect the roots of the trees as well.
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It also helps to keep other yard debris in the yard. Create a mulch pile of your trimmings and clippings. You'd be surprises at how quickly it shrinks to rich soil. Meanwhile it creates hiding places for wildlife.
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