Autumn Outdoor Cleaning Tips
As we welcome cooler temperatures in the fall season, we may begin to feel the urge to begin our outdoor cleaning tasks. However, did you know that there are many incredible, simple ways that we can make our fall clean-up more sustainable? An eco-friendly fall clean-up includes supporting wildlife and its natural processes.
One way we can encourage an eco-friendly cleanup this fall, is to leave the leaves! The National Wildlife Federation suggests that if we leave the leaves where they fall in our planting beds to form natural mulch, we are providing our plants with a protective blanket in winter, conserving water year-round, and enriching the soil as the plant matter decomposes. In addition, as temperatures drop, bumble-bee queens and other native bee species utilize piles of leaves, undisturbed soil, dead stems, and hollow stems to hibernate during winter.
Another way we can care for our wildlife friends is to delay flora cutting and avoid chemicals. There are several types of flowers we can leave in order for their seeds to be eaten by birds, squirrels and chipmunks such as Coneflowers, Black-Eyed Susans, Sunflowers, Goldenrod, Asters and native shrubs.. After these seeds are eaten, the seeds are then re-planted by the animals, encouraging regeneration and growth for the next spring season! In addition, while not utilizing chemicals, we are providing healthy, uncontaminated water, soil and air where all wildlife (and us) receive the benefit!
While we are encouraged to leave as much plant matter as possible, pruning is a necessary part of our cleanup in order to keep our plants healthy. Keep in mind to prune only what is necessary; diseased or dead matter. Pruning during the late fall season into winter is less stressful for plants. In addition, consider investing in garden tools that last a while, preventing the need to buy more season after season. If we are in need of tools, consider borrowing from a friend, facebook market place, or any resale shop.
Another thing to consider during your cleanup is appropriate waste disposal. When possible, try to avoid sending garden waste to landfills. In a secluded section of your garden, create a compost pile! This will become incredibly beneficial to your soil, aiding re-growth in the spring. If compost is not available to you, consider finding a local recycle facility, or compost facility.
You can even consider asking a friend or family member if they have room to take some of your compost for their own garden!
Overall, fall is an incredible time of year when we are able to slow down and enjoy crisp, cool days. While it may appear that all plant matter is dying, remember, there is still so much life that is able to benefit from a few changes we can consciously make to our fall cleanup routine!
