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Trees that provide a habitat to bats and an abundance of bugs—their main food source—will attract bats to your yard. Because the North American landscape has changed so much in recent years, bats have a harder time finding trees with cavities to shelter in. If your yard has a dead or dying tree with a lot of sun exposure, bats will likely be drawn to it because trees with those features are less common.

If you want to take the decomposition process into your hands to speed it up, water and sunlight are key. Of course, you can’t control sunlight yourself, but you can rake leaves into piles in sunny spots in your yard. In terms of using water, you can also moisten the decomposing leaves with water, whether by pouring some from a watering can from time to time or using a hose to moisten them.

Leaf removal isn’t always necessary, and what you should do with leaves in your yard depends on the number of trees you have. Leaving a small amount of leaves to decompose on your property can add nutrients to the soil and help grass, plants, and trees thrive. However, large accumulations of leaves can promote mold and fungal growth, so you should do at least two fall cleanups if you have many trees on your property.

The legality of blowing leaves into the street depends on your city or county laws. Many cities have codes that restrict blowing leaves into the street because it can obstruct the view of nearby drivers and make cars dirty, not to mention angering neighbors. Violations can result in a fine or other problems. You can check the codes on your municipal government website to learn more local guidelines, but avoid spraying leaves into streets for now.