Go offline with the Player FM app!
The Science Behind "Leave the Leaves"
Manage episode 512551171 series 2813642
Summary
"Leave the leaves" has become an increasingly common mantra each fall. However, until recently little to no scientific research had been done to quantify impacts of leaving your leaves in a typical suburban yard. We discuss the results of that research and actionable steps that you can take in your own yard.
Today's guest
Dr. Max Ferlauto is the State Entomologist for the Maryland Natural Heritage Program. He recently conducted research to quantify the impact of leaving our leaves in our yards.
3 things you'll learn from this episode:
- The impact that leaving your leaves can have on the numbers and diversity of insects and spiders in your yard.
- How removing your leaves can impact soil temperature, moisture, and organic matter.
- Practical, easy steps you can take even if you can't leave all your leaves.
Bonus content
Resources Max mentioned:
- Removing autumn leaves in residential yards reduces the spring emergence of overwintering insects
- Legacy effects of long-term autumn leaf litter removal slow decomposition rates and reduce soil carbon in suburban yards
Other Backyard Ecology™ resources:
Thank you
Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from.
113 episodes
Manage episode 512551171 series 2813642
Summary
"Leave the leaves" has become an increasingly common mantra each fall. However, until recently little to no scientific research had been done to quantify impacts of leaving your leaves in a typical suburban yard. We discuss the results of that research and actionable steps that you can take in your own yard.
Today's guest
Dr. Max Ferlauto is the State Entomologist for the Maryland Natural Heritage Program. He recently conducted research to quantify the impact of leaving our leaves in our yards.
3 things you'll learn from this episode:
- The impact that leaving your leaves can have on the numbers and diversity of insects and spiders in your yard.
- How removing your leaves can impact soil temperature, moisture, and organic matter.
- Practical, easy steps you can take even if you can't leave all your leaves.
Bonus content
Resources Max mentioned:
- Removing autumn leaves in residential yards reduces the spring emergence of overwintering insects
- Legacy effects of long-term autumn leaf litter removal slow decomposition rates and reduce soil carbon in suburban yards
Other Backyard Ecology™ resources:
Thank you
Thank you to our amazing Patrons who go above and beyond every month to provide financial support which helps us create so much free content for everyone to enjoy and learn from.
113 episodes
All episodes
×Welcome to Player FM!
Player FM is scanning the web for high-quality podcasts for you to enjoy right now. It's the best podcast app and works on Android, iPhone, and the web. Signup to sync subscriptions across devices.