Why do people clean up their leaves?

You'll remove harmful grass straw (dead grass fabric above the ground) as you rake. Raking reduces the number of leaves that harbor diseases affecting trees and plantations. Removing leaves also eliminates vital wildlife habitat. Creatures, from turtles and toads to birds, mammals and invertebrates, rely on litter for food, shelter and nesting material.

Many moth and butterfly caterpillars overwinter on fallen leaves before emerging in spring.