The forest floor is covered in layers of both dead and living plants. Dead, dried leaves cover the surface. Below that lie half-decomposed (broken down) leaves and plants. On the bottom are fully decomposed leaves. Each layer provides nutrients for new plants to grow.

Although fallen leaves help protect the ground, too many leaves may harm the plants underneath, especially in your yard. A thick layer of leaves prevents grass from soaking up sunlight. If you can’t see your grass through the leaves, it might be time to grab the rake.

Leaf It Be

If your yard has only a thin leaf layer, there’s a good reason to leave it be! Beetles, snails, lizards, mice, and other critters live beneath the leaves. Like a blanket, this layer keeps them cool in the summer and warm in the winter.