Hey Indiana: Put a Pause on Spring Yard Clean Up

Before you exchange your snow shovel for your garden rake in a few weeks, take a pause and just let things be. 

Doing Yard Clean Up Too Soon Can Have Dire Consequences

We often get in a hurry to clean up the yard and garden for spring, but doing so too soon can have dire consequences. See, this is where all of the beneficial insects are hanging out awaiting warmer weather.

Many Moth and Butterfly Species Stay Put and Overwinter

A lot of moths and butterflies species don't migrate like Monarch butterflies do. Instead, they will "overwinter," resting camouflaged in their chrysalids until it is warm enough for them to emerge.

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Don't Let Your Need to Clean Cost You Your the Lightning Bugs This Summer

Likewise, the lightning bugs or fireflies that light up the summer nights rely on that same leaf litter to keep warm through the winter until it is time to emerge.

Even the Bees Need You to Hold Off on Spring Yard Clean Up

Even our native bees rely on the groundcover of fallen leaves and debris to hold themselves over until emerging to the warmth of spring.

Just Leave the Leaves a Little Longer This Year

So how can you help? Leave the leaves. Leave the yard clean up. Wait to clear out old leaves, grasses, and dead stalks. Leave them just a little longer, and help the tiny creatures that help our ecosystem thrive.

If you need some tips on what to do in the fall to help with your leaf litter, keep reading, but spoiler: You should leave the leaves then too.