Leave them be?

Fall foliage along Highway 2 in the Upper Peninsula. PHOTO PROVIDED BY TODD MARSEE, MICHIGAN SEA GRANT
Fall foliage along Highway 2 in the Upper Peninsula. PHOTO PROVIDED BY TODD MARSEE, MICHIGAN SEA GRANT

As autumn leaves blanket the ground in stunning shades of reds, yellows and oranges, experts say to think twice before bagging them up.

That said, perhaps your neighbor with the meticulous lawn may disagree.

“The leaves contain nutrients, and they also are a source of organic matter,” said Susan Barton, a professor of plant and soil sciences at the University of Delaware. “So, if you allow the leave…