Here’s Why North Dakotans Shouldn’t Bag Their Leaves

WE know the leaves are pretty much gone at this point, but next time they come around, you might want to keep this in mind.

Don't Bag 'Em

According to NPR, wildlife experts say that 8 million tons of leaves end up in landfills every year. Yes, I said TONS.

Save yourself some money on garbage bags and leave the leaves alone.

The Other Thing

The other reason you might not want to bag up your leaves is because they are actually really good for the grass. They are full of nutrients like Nitrogen and potassium. It's basically grass food.

The source also explains it's good for insects and animals. While you might not be a fan of spiders, slugs, and other insects, they are important to the ecosystem; leaves provide a habitat for these creatures.

So, What Do You Do Instead?

You're probably wondering "What the heck am I supposed to do with all of these leaves if I can't bag them up?" --  That's fair.

What kind of people would we be if we only offered up the problem without a solution?

Instead of bagging your leaves, you can mow over them. The source explains that cutting them up into smithereens makes them less of an eyesore. Another option is to rake them into your garden bed or around the base of your trees. This will save you from buying some expensive mulch.

Easier Said Than Done

While it's easy to say "Just leave them," that isn't so doable for those of us that live right in the city. Leaves get wet and clumpy and can clog drains. If that is something you struggle with, then do what you must. However, if you want to try something a little more environmentally friendly and low maintenance/low effort, you can just skip this Fall ritual.