About the Program

The Greensboro Sustainable Landscapes Project is an educational initiative led by OSR in partnership with other City departments and community partners to encourage residents to use environmentally-friendly landscaping practices to enhance the natural environments in and around their homes and businesses. 

Take the Pledge: Leave the Leaves

Join the effort to Leave the Leaves! Sign up now. The first 500 participants will receive a free yard sign.

Join the City of Greensboro by pledging to "Leave the Leaves" this leaf season. Commit to mulching or letting leaves compost in place instead of bagging or blowing them to be disposed.

Sign the pledge -- and we'll give you a custom "Leave the leaves" sign for your yard to show you are part of the program. 

Top 10 Reasons You Should Leave the Leaves

Leaving leaves on your lawn instead of bagging and sending them to Greensboro’s compost facility can have numerous benefits:

  1. Natural Mulch: Leaves act as a natural mulch, insulating your soil and helping it retain moisture, reducing the need for additional watering.
  2. Soil Enrichment: As leaves decompose, they release valuable nutrients into the soil, enhancing its fertility and improving plant growth.
  3. Organic Matter: The decomposing leaves increase the organic matter content in your soil, which improves soil structure, aeration, and drainage.
  4. Erosion Control: A layer of leaves helps prevent soil erosion, especially in sloped areas, by shielding the soil from heavy rains and wind.
  5. Biodiversity: Leaf litter provides habitat and food for various beneficial microorganisms, insects, and small wildlife, contributing to a healthier ecosystem.
  6. Pollinator Support: Many native bees and other pollinators use leaf litter as a nesting material, supporting local biodiversity and garden pollination.
  7. Cost Savings: By reducing the need for mulch and fertilizers, you can save money on lawn and garden maintenance.
  8. Resource Conservation: By leaving leaves on your lawn, you help reduce the burden on municipal collections and composting operations and lower transportation costs for yard waste disposal.
  9. Environmental Impact: Decreasing the volume of yard waste sent to compost facilities reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with transportation and processing.
  10. Less Labor: Raking and bagging leaves can be time-consuming. Allowing them to stay on your lawn is a more efficient and sustainable approach to yard care.

Incorporating these practices not only benefits your lawn and garden but also supports the broader environment and local ecosystems.

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