Not in the mood to rake your leaves? Don’t worry.

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy says letting your leaves stay on your lawn through the winter benefits our environment. Organic waste expert Aaron Hiday wants Michiganders to avoid burning them.

“We’re trying to steer folks away from burning those leaves because it’s not good for the atmosphere, and maybe find another alternative, whether it’s leaving them in place, mulching them in, or composting them,” Hiday said. “That’s what we recommend.”

Hiday says the leaves provide a layer of winter protection for pollinators living in the grass. He says it’s also good for your soil.