The City of Belleville is keeping its leaf and yard waste depot open due to demand however, the City is strongly encouraging residents to leave the leaves.
The City of Belleville, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) and other organizations suggest not removing leaves from your yard this fall and early spring as they provide pollinators with cover.
The City says pollinators begin their lives in the leaves as larvae.
Additionally, leaves can be mulched and act as natural fertilizer for your yard and plants.
The NCC says making small changes in your gardening behaviour this fall can help urban wildlife survive Canadian winters.
It says leaving a layer of fallen leaves in your yard throughout the winter provides an insulating blanket that can help protect wildlife from cold temperatures.
The NCC also suggests to delay raking your yard in the spring until there have been a few warm days so you don’t disrupt insects and other small animals that may be living under the leaves.
Create spaces in your yard for native bees to nest and overwinter by placing dead tree branches among your garden plants and having open areas of soil in your garden.
For more on the City of Belleville’s Leaf and Yard Waste Disposal, including hours at its Wallbridge Crescent depot, click here.
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