As the weather changes, most gardens are seeing leaves falling off trees. Many gardeners start picking up those leaves to keep their lawn look tidy. However, the experts say that is the mistake which will not attract robins to the garden.
They suggest gardeners should keep the fallen leaves on the ground as these are a hibernation cover for most of the insects.
Fallen leaves play a vital role in supporting robins during autumn and winter by creating a rich habitat for insects like beetles, caterpillars, and worms – essential food sources when other options are limited.
Leaving leaf litter undisturbed helps robins forage more easily and ensures they have access to the nourishment they need to survive colder months.
These layers of leaves also protect overwintering insects and larvae, forming a hidden ecosystem that sustains wildlife.
Tidying up too thoroughly can disrupt this balance, so allowing leaves to remain on the ground not only benefits robins but also encourages a healthier, more natural garden environment.
Apart from this, the experts have urged not to mulch the leaves. Mulching fallen leaves might seem like a tidy solution, but it can unintentionally harm the wildlife that depends on leaf litter for survival
They said: “When you shred leaves, you destroy all the insects hiding in them leaving no food for the robins. Allow fallen leaves to stay underneath trees and shrubs as nature intended.”
Robins rely on whole, fallen leaves to forage for insects like beetles, caterpillars, and worms – especially during autumn and winter when food is scarce. When leaves are shredded or mulched, it disrupts the natural habitat where these insects live and overwinter, reducing the food supply robins depend on.